Category: 2021 Summer Series

Deanna Dikeman: “Leaving and Waving” Book Talk

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat. July 31, 2021, Bill McBride Studio

Kansas City-based photographer Deanna Dikeman discussed her book, “Leaving and Waving” (Chose Commune, 2021), which quickly sold out its first printing and was nominated for a MACK first book award in London. She reflected on the origins of the project, based on  images of her parents in Iowa taken over many years at the conclusion of visits home, which were on display at a juried show in Cortona, Italy at the time of her talk in Matfield.

Tracey Graham: Inks and Dyes From Native Flint Hills Plants

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat. July 24, 2021, Pioneer Bluffs

Educator, plant enthusiast and Chase County fiber artist Tracey Graham taught a sold-out audience how she makes inks and dyes from native prairie plants. The workshop took place inside the Granary at historic Pioneer Bluffs Ranching Heritage Center just north of Matfield Green.

Kelly Werts: Kelly’s Happy (Hour) Birthday Jam

4:30-6:30 p.m. Fri. July 23, 2021, Bill McBride Studio

A sold-out crowd helped Matfield Green musician and sound engineer Kelly Werts celebrate his birthday with a wide-ranging song list. He got by with a little help from his fellow musical (and not-so) friends and visitors from afar.

Dave Leiker: Prairie Walk — Looking Deeper

10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. Sat. July 10, 2021, Pioneer Bluffs Nature Trail

Emporia photographer Dave Leiker gave a beautiful explanation of the German concept of Thalweg, or way of the valley or course of the stream, on a tour of the recently completed Pioneer Bluffs Nature Trail. 

Elexa Dawson: Land-Based Songwriting

4:30-6:30 p.m. Sat. July 3, 2021, Timber Arches on the PrairyArt Path

Indigenous singer-songwriter and Chase County resident Elexa Dawson shared her approach to songwriting with locals and visitors from afar in an immersive experience at Timber Arches fire circle on a hot, sunny afternoon.