Museum News (January 6, 2025)

We are eagerly anticipating our "Meet the Artist" event on Saturday evening, January 11^th, at 7 p.m., with Thomas Zimmerman, the photographer behind our current exhibition Kansas From 400' or Less. It's always fascinating to hear artists share the behind-the-scenes details of their work. Gaining insight into their thought process adds depth and meaning to the art. The theme of adventure shines through in Zimmerman's work, as he took his photography to new heights by capturing the entire exhibition with a drone camera.

During the installation of this exhibit, we had the opportunity to hear some of Zimmerman’s stories. One particularly striking tale involved chasing storms, and it led to the photograph “Stripped.” In this image, Zimmerman captured not only a stunning scene but also a timeless story. The photo shows a combine operator rushing to harvest a wheat field before an impending thunderstorm forces him to halt—perhaps for the day or possibly for the entire season. The image captures the combine working at full force, with chaff and dust blowing behind it, thunderheads building overhead, and rain pouring in the distance, all against a backdrop of a fiery orange sunset. The juxtaposition of light and darkness, hope and despair, creates a powerful moment frozen in time.

Zimmerman, with his agricultural background, understands the pressure of getting the harvest in. He’s experienced firsthand the precarious nature of a bountiful harvest. Through this photo, he beautifully personifies the gamble involved for those who have never sat behind the controls of a combine. We were especially delighted when Brian Ochs, the combine operator from Quinter, Kansas, visited the exhibition. It is a rare occasion when we have the privilege of hearing from both the artist and the subject of a piece hanging in our gallery. We couldn’t resist taking a photo of Brian standing next to "Stripped." The only thing that could have made it better would have been if Zimmerman had been here at the same time—perhaps this can happen at Saturday’s event.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to learn new skills, the Hansen Museum Continuing Education program can help! We have many exciting learning opportunities scheduled for 2025. Due to inclement weather, our first offering, Dance Class, has been delayed until January 12^th. Kerry and Dezi Ferguson will teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners the two-step, east coast and west coast swing, cha-cha, polka, waltz, and more. Dance class is a tremendous value, fun, and a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together. Each class begins with laughter and smiles and ends with progress and pride. It sounds like a great time, doesn’t it? Check out the dance class registration form on the Hansen Museum website under "Classes and Workshops" at www.hansenmuseum.org.

We want to help you stay on track with your New Year’s resolutions. There is still time to register for Dance Class, but if that’s not your idea of fun, be sure to keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for other exciting offerings in 2025. We’re confident you’ll find something that piques your interest.

Kansas From 400' or Less will remain on view through January 26, 2024. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday and holidays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on New Year’s Day. The museum is 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 any questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846. We hope to see you at the Museum.