Issue Preview ~ Summer 2004
Baker Arts Center
By Darien Leiker
When it comes to understanding art, they always say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, when it comes to cultivating art appreciation, Baker Arts Center in Liberal is an undisputed masterpiece. Over the years the center has made quite a name for itself in the art world, not to mention southwest Kansas. With numerous activities throughout the year, one does not have to travel outside our region to appreciate various types of art.
Origins
Baker Arts Center began as a dream of local resident Irene Baker. Her goal was to create an arts center for Liberal and surrounding communities. Mrs. Baker's introduction to art began in 1954 when Mr. Baker was hospitalized in California with a lengthy illness. Irene had the opportunity to study various art medias on returning trips back to California. The two returned to Liberal where Mr. Baker established the Baker Tire and Oil Company. Mrs. Baker continued to study art in the early 1960's. Her favorite art teacher was Dord Fitz of Amarillo. Mr. Fitz helped shape Irene's unique artistic style, which can be described as thoughtful imagery with a flow of pure color that creates a strong impact. As teacher and student, the two developed a strong friendship. Mr. Fitz was credited with helping Irene establish the Baker Arts Foundation. Through the years, Mrs. Baker built a large collection of paintings, photography, pottery, porcelain and art books. She also purchased property around the home. By the time Mrs. Baker died in 1984, the dream of creating an arts center in Liberal was well on its way toward reality. The Baker home was transformed into an art gallery facility. By June 2, 1986, selections of Mrs. Bakers art collection became the first exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Today
According to Executive Director Laura Strange, Baker Arts Center strives to be known as "A Cultural Oasis on the Prairie." One look at the calendar of events indicates that she and the staff are very busy living up to that claim. Part of the mission of the center is art education. Classes in photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking are offered on a monthly basis. There is also a program called Artist-in-Residence. Over the past 5 years some 5000 school children in USD 480 have participated in educational workshops that create a positive experience in understanding art and its function in society. The "Run-A-Way Orchestra","Journey Into Impressionism", and Folk Blues Acoustic Jam are examples of performing arts that the center recently hosted. One annual event that takes significant time and resources is the National Juried Art Exhibition. In January artists from across the U.S. are invited to submit their work to Baker Arts Center for an art competition. A selection committee reviews the art applications and a juror is chosen. The juror or "art critic" is an accomplished artist or a curator of a museum. Artists will then be notified if their work has been accepted for the competition. The selected pieces will be displayed in the gallery for viewing. The juror takes a few days to view the artwork, critique each piece and ultimately select winners. Prize money for the winners can range from $100 to $1000. Awards are given at a private reception for the artists who can make the trip to Liberal. Local residents Bill and Virginia Colvin are gracious enough to sponsor this event each year. A very popular event each February is Chocolate Fantasy. Baker Arts Center turns into a dessert connoisseurs heaven. Volunteers are asked to put on baking hats & aprons and create their favorite cakes, cookies, candies and pies. Traditionally chocolate recipes are the "heavy" favorite. The desserts are donated to the arts center and sold to the public. The Sunday before Valentine's Day guests are invited to take in an art exhibit in the gallery and enjoy a delicious desert. Indulgence abounds and extra desserts are available to take home to that special Valentine. Proceeds from this fundraiser go toward supporting the arts center.
Volunteerism
The success of Bakers Arts Center can largely be attributed to the Liberal spirit of community involvement. An enthusiastic group of volunteers make up what is called the Docent Program. This program allows the center to be open on the weekends by individuals donating two hours once a month. The center is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 2:00 4:00 p.m. The volunteer's tasks include ensuring the center is open, making guests feel comfortable while viewing exhibits, answering any questions, or if there is free time, helping stuff envelops for mailing a newsletter. Other volunteers participate in the annual phone-a-thon. This activity is vital in helping raise funds to cover operating expenses. A large board of directors is also volunteer-based. Each month the group meets to discuss everything from selecting pieces of art to add to the Foundation's permanent collection to strategic issues such as budgets, fundraisers and landscaping matters. With so many activities, volunteering, and overall community support, it is easy to see that Baker Arts Center is a masterpiece for Liberal and the communities in southwest Kansas.