Museum News (April 1, 2024)

Have you ever wondered if a zebra is black with white stripes or white with black stripes? The question had never crossed my mind until looking at Cynthie Fisher’s scratchboard and watercolor artwork entitled “Group Hug” in the Hansen Museum’s current exhibit Art and the Animal. Fischer is fascinated with zebras and makes an annual trip to Africa where she spends a lot of time studying these amazing creatures. Always moving and often touching, Fisher finds these social creatures gather in their kinship groups to enjoy each other’s company, ward off flies, and watch for danger.

Fisher’s mixed media family portrait is such a life-like rendition that many patrons have mistaken it for a photograph. Grouped together, be it for protection or comfort, this group of zebras are huddled close with their heads resting on the backs or necks of those nearest. It is a touching look at these “striped horses” offering keen insight into their nature. However, it does not answer the question…are they black with white stripes or white with black strips?

April 13^th and 14^th, the Hansen Museum is pleased to host a Joy of Painting class with Hope Blakely. Hope is new to the Museum’s continuing education schedule, but Joy of Painting is a tried and true patron favorite class. Receiving her Certified Ross Instructor certificate in 2017, Hope is a very experienced instructor and comes to the Museum with glowing recommendations. Saturday, participants will paint “Valley Homestead” and Sunday’s class will produce “Serenity.” Joy of Painting is a wonderful introduction to oil painting – all supplies are provided! Call the Museum at 785-689-4846 for more information. Pre-registration is required so call today before both classes fill up.

Need a place to stash your red or white? The Hansen Museum will host a Basket Weaving class with fiber artist, Marsha Jensen (Manhattan, Kansas) on Saturday, April 20^th in the Hansen Museum Community Room. Participants will weave a basket with a divider that holds 2 bottles of wine. There will be dyed reed available in a variety of colors for those who wish to include color accents. A natural black walnut dip will be available as a finishing touch for your basket at the end of the class. Call the Museum to register (785-689-4846) or find the registration form on our website (hansenmuseum.org) under Classes & Workshops.

There is always something happening at the Hansen Museum. Keep up to date with Museum happenings by following the Museum Facebook page. The Museum is open Mon. through Fri. 9-12 and 1-4; Sat. 9-12 & 1-5; Sun. and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. We are handicapped accessible, and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846. We hope to see you at the Museum!