Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and explore the diverse and historic achievements of women. To increase awareness, equity, and respect, I’d like to use this article to spotlight just a fraction of the creative women in our community. Wichita and its vibrant, singular beauty would not exist without their strength, intelligence, and passion.
Sonia Greteman (Greteman Group) has transformed our city with ingenious design solutions for the River Walk, Nomar Plaza, and Old Town. Patricia McDonnell invariably brings world-class exhibitions and sculpture to the Wichita Art Museum and Art Garden.
Douglas Design District President, Janelle King (The Workroom), breathes life into community-building initiatives like 2020 Vision, LevelUP (July 21st), and Avenue Art Days (Sept. 24-25) which enabled over 50 outdoor murals in a span of three years. Leaders like these are absolutely essential to the progress of the arts and our quality of life in Wichita.
Connie Ernatt’s “Keeper of the Drains”
Some of our city’s most iconic public art comes from women like Georgia Gerber (Douglas Ave. Bronzes), Connie Ernatt (Law Enforcement Memorial, “Keeper of the Drains”), Tina Murano (“Mosaic Waterfall”, Redbud Trail), and Jennie Becker (Botanica’s Chinese Friendship Garden’s “Dragon Wall”); a constant joy for all walks of life.
Christina Long, CML Collective
Community advocates like Shelly Prichard (Wichita Community Foundation), Kylie Brown (Creative Rush / Horizontes), Christina Long (CML Collective), and so many others all strengthen local bonds with unlimited generosity, drive, and ambition.
Emily Brookover (CityArts), Marilyn Grisham (Fiber Studio), Lindy Wiese (HUE Gallery), Kate Van Steenhuyse and Kristin Beal (Harvester Arts) showcase established and up-and-coming talent, bring acclaimed artists to Wichita, and open minds.
Kathleen Shanahan Painting
Beloved Wichita artists like Rebecca Hoyer, Kathleen Shanahan, Charlotte Martin, and Janice Thacker (Burdine’s Art Box) remain a benevolent force in our galleries and classrooms. Unlike anything else on the planet, the magical Linnebur and Miller (stay tuned for Galactic Yawp!) are a true Wichita treasure.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find countless heroines designing, painting, sculpting, illustrating, crafting, educating, inspiring, connecting; creating. Let us take this time to honor the value and contributions of women in our city, culture, and society. In the quest for greater harmony, as we refine ourselves and our understanding of one another, wisdom remembers the source: the gracious love and power of the feminine divine.
Hannah Scott Mural