The Chanute Art Gallery has been a staple in the community for years, providing a space for local artists to showcase their work and for the public to enjoy. However, the gallery faced a major setback when an individual broke into the building and caused significant damage to its display cases, walls, doors, and floors.
| Damage | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Severe damage to glass display cases | Replaced with new glass cases |
| Damage to walls, doors, and floors | Wall repair, fixing doors, and replacing carpet |
| Damage to electronics | Replaced with new electronics |
Despite the extensive damage, the Chanute Art Gallery has been working tirelessly to restore its operations and has now begun to showcase its first exhibit after the vandalism. To celebrate this milestone, the gallery hosted a Sneak Peek Party on Friday evening, featuring live music, refreshments, and local artists.
- Timmy Ray and the Dry Counties
- Hilary Shepard’s drone photography
- Jake Villalpando’s macrophotography
- Creations from the Chanute Public Library’s “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program
The gallery also showcased the work of local artists, including Jake Villalpando, who is originally from Thayer and studied digital photography at Neosho County Community College. Villalpando now owns Manuel Jacob Photography and works as a builder at Cobalt Boats.
“With the camera, you can see them better than you can in real life,” said Hilary Shepard, a multi-form artist and photographer. “I really like insects,” Shepard said. “With the camera, you can see them better than you can in real life.”
“That’s my favorite part; the surprise,” Shepard said.
Shepard’s photography collection, titled “Up Close & Personal,” features close-up shots of insects, flowers, birds, and reptiles. Her work has been featured in various galleries and competitions, including the Online Annex of Portland’s Black Box Gallery and Minneapolis’s Praxis Gallery. The Chanute Art Gallery Board members were thrilled to see the turnout at the Sneak Peek Party, with many expressing their gratitude for the community support. “It’s more than you could hope for when your art is exhibited in a space,” said Jean Cross, a board member. “It’s great having all these people here,” said Bob Cross, another board member. “All of them” were his favorite pieces in the gallery, he added. The gallery’s core collection, “We’re so glad to have it open again,” was also on display, featuring works by local artists. “It’s been months of getting here,” said Jean Cross. “It took the efforts of many people to accomplish this.”
The celebration was a kind of homecoming for many, with some expressing their relief and joy at having their art displayed in the gallery once again. “I have my home back,” said Ruth Ports, a board member. “It’s my place that I come to and renew myself.”
The community support has been overwhelming, with many board members expressing their gratitude for the support. “That’s been healing to those of us who put our heart and soul into this place,” said Ruth Ports. The gallery is now open for business, and the board is excited to welcome visitors and showcase the work of local artists. “I am super excited,” said Tim Tarkelly, the gallery’s board president. “I am glad so many people came out to be supportive. We’re just glad to be back in business.”Today, Tuesday, August 5, is the official grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, taking place at noon. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Chanute Art Gallery’s latest exhibits and support local artists.