Learning new topics is a difficult task, but even more so for a person with any type of learning disability. Learning disabilities cause difficulties in school and in life, but also how that person feels about themselves. This person could feel lost, incomplete, not good enough, not smart enough, and the list never ends. I understand this since I am a person that has dealt with the struggles of learning disabilities. But, with the assistance of techniques, tools, and hard work ethic I was able to overcome those struggles. When I am working with either clay or with paint, I am reminded of those struggles and how the techniques I learned to manipulate the clay or paint can create pieces that are unique to themselves. I use my art to show that there are methods and tools that can be used to help people that have a difficult time learning. I use my art to also show how those tools have helped me overcome my learning disabilities.

My collection of work is mostly two dimensional at the moment, but it has many three dimensional aspects to it. Working with clay and textures to create patterns in my clay work is something I really enjoy adding to my two dimensional pieces as well. The use of texture comes from my upbringing and working with my family for many years. As I work to expand my three dimensional work, I look forward to it because it is something that is relaxing and meditative for me. Growing up as one of 14 kids finding ways to relax was difficult. Once I began learning how to throw pottery, I found it very relaxing, to the point I have been teaching my son how to do it too! I do the same for my middle school students who I teach. I try to show them how art, in whatever form, can be relaxing and a creative outlet for them.

Cephas Lee, also known as Cephas Lobmeyer, is an up-and-coming artist from Southwest Kansas. At a young age, he excelled at drawing and creative approaches. Growing up in a split household, Cephas relied on art to escape his chaotic family life. His love for comics, superheroes, and the stories they tell was a significant part of his life. After dropping out of high school and getting his GED, he moved to Missouri, but lost touch with art. At this time, he was dealing with mental health issues that led him to seek help and to take a look at his future. He was given a chance to move back to his hometown to attend college, where he received a scholarship to study visual arts. This reignited his passion for art and led him to explore more ways of creating using oil paint, watercolor, sculpture, and printmaking mediums. Cephas’ current work primarily focuses on figures and portraits, maintaining a strong connection to his love for comics. Cephas is completing his art associate degree at GCCC and is in the process of creating his own comic.

Hello, my name is Kaitlin Hahn. I moved to Garden City about 8 years ago to become an art teacher. I started at the elementary level and ended up moving to the high school where I have been for the last 6 years. Teaching has been a big influence on my path as an artist. I started working with air dry paper clay about 2 years ago and fell in love with it. Air dry paper clay is forgiving, fun, and simple to work with. You don’t need a lot of tools or materials to start making art with it. You can even make it at home! One of my goals for this year is to learn how to start making my own paper clay at home! Afterall, you are never too old to learn something new!

Lippan art is a traditional mural craft that originated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India, created by the women of the Rabari community. In ancient times, it was used to decorate the mud walls of village homes, enhancing their beauty while also serving a functional purpose. Traditionally, Lippan art was made using a mixture of clay and cow or camel dung, adorned with small hand-cut mirrors to reflect light and help keep interiors cool in the harsh desert climate. The motifs were inspired by nature animals, birds, and geometric patterns symbolizing harmony, protection, and prosperity. In modern interiors, Lippan art has evolved beyond village homes into framed artworks, accent panels, and contemporary spaces, using materials such as acrylic bases, MDF boards, ceramic tiles, mirrors, and synthetic clay while preserving its earthy essence. As someone born in Kutch, India the birthplace of Lippan art creating this artwork is deeply personal to me, as it allows me to honor my roots while presenting this ancient folk tradition in a modern artistic form.

I was born in Kutch, Gujarat, India — the birthplace of the beautiful and traditional Lippan Art. Growing up surrounded by this rich cultural heritage naturally connected me to this art form from a young age. I created my first Lippan Art painting in 2001, nearly 25 years ago, inspired by the traditional mud and mirror work that once decorated village homes in Kutch. Over time, I also had the opportunity to teach this art to some of my students, sharing the cultural beauty and techniques of this craft. After a 15-year pause, life brought me to Garden City, Kansas, two years ago, where I rediscovered my passion and found a new opportunity to showcase my talent. Through my work, I aim to preserve the tradition of Lippan Art while presenting it in a contemporary form for modern spaces.

Harley Torres is a studio potter from Ulysses, Kansas. Their academic background includes studying communication and art at Garden City Community College, where they earned an Associate of Arts degree. They then transferred to Fort Hays State University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art. During their academic career, they studied historic ceramics firsthand through enrichment travels; such as German ceramic history, Appalachian craft and folk-pottery, and indigenous American pottery traditions of the American southwest.

My pottery explores the intersection of functional design and natural aesthetics. I start by immersing myself in the countryside, gathering materials that connect me to both my work and myself. These materials are processed in my studio and integrated into my glazes.

Initially, my functional forms subtly referenced nature, incorporating elements like rocks or natural glazes. Now, I infuse every piece with this approach. I believe humans inherently connect with clay because of our relationship to the Earth. This connection fascinates me – the clay mirrors the maker, and the creator is entwined with the clay. The form moves with life, and the nuances between artist and art are captivating. I need this give-and-take to feel satisfied with a piece. These "self-portraits" allow me to explore my internal dialogue, subconscious, and natural materials.

My forms reflect transience and connection to their source. They begin in a similar headspace to Abstract Expressionism, flowing yet feeling substantial. While inspired by potters like Voulkos, I focus on developing my unique voice through dedicated practice. Atmospheric firing refines my work, and collaborating with gas or wood kilns adds a vital finishing touch. The labor of processing materials and researching glazes pays off when these elements interact with the kiln's effects.

Born and raised in garden city, I grew up loving anything art, painting, sculpting, and even paper crafts. Through out highschool, I was pushed to test my limits and keep working on my portfolio. I am so very proud to have gotten the chance to add the banner to the list! Although I've worked with big projects and with acrylic before, this has made me think things through a bit more. I have worked hard with color over the years to find my own personal touch of "subtle yet bursting with color", trying to push the limits of realistic but colorful. I have enjoyed painting this year's banner alot and I can't wait to see all the others, as well as hopefully continue on in the years to come!

I am not one to express my thoughts using words, I instead rely on my brush to articulate my thoughts into reality. Through raw gesture and color, my brushstrokes become a direct translation of my thoughts unfiltered and honest. As a result, my work often feels at times unusual and unexpected but its me at my most genuine.

As a educator, my focus shifted from creating for commerce to creating opportunities for others. Over the last 7 years, I have worked together with students. I’ve helped them recognize the value of their creativity as not only a form of self expression, but as a means to sustain and thrive. My aim is to make the arts more present and accessible within my community by encouraging others to pursue and find their “spark.”