James R. Wilson, Jr.

James R. Wilson, Jr. (he/him/his) is a multidisciplinary artist, recovering English teacher, and full-time dad living in Overland Park, KS. His work has been used by Spitfire, Second Nature Recordings, Waxwing, James Christos, and Status. James has shown his work at the Alcott Arts Center and Escapist. 
Statement:
Far too many of us find ourselves chained to desks in cubicle hell surrounded by the cacophony of small talk and keyboards. Overworked, underpaid, and very annoyed. Sometimes we miss the old days. homesick. brings together photos from the late 90’s and early 2000’s with contemporary drawings and paintings of the emptiness of existence. Two sides of the same coin illuminating each other for a deeper understanding of where we came from and where we are now. 

Ariele Fowler

As a potter, I see myself as an alchemist, and clay is all about transformation. Clay starts as raw
material, and through our hands, it becomes something new. This catalyst presents a change,functionally in the material itself, and symbolically in the viewer's perception of art.I draw inspiration from the unknown, empathy, deep space, magic, and consciousness, and I explore how these abstract ideas can be reflected in the form and functionality of my pieces.Each handle, curve, and surface is an attempt to manifest something intangible into the tactile.I stain stoneware clay and layer patterns using the nerikomi technique or randomly combine colors through neriage on the wheel. Additionally, I experiment with otherworldly glazes to convey abstract emotions or visions inspired by dreams.Pottery is a medium endless for exploration, where each piece has the potential to present an emotional journey and a physical transformation. My goal is to make something beautiful but also translate the depth of its origin—whether it's a dream, a feeling, a moment, or looking into the unknown.

–Ariele Fowler, Earth & Air Studio

Chris Frye

©FRYE! (@cvfrye)

Growing up building treehouses and skate ramps, Chris Frye has always enjoyed working with his hands. KC area art educator influenced by skate stickers, comic books, cartoons, happy meals, matchbox cars & action figures with the kung-fu grip.  Chris Frye is a visual artist, middle school art teacher in Gardner, KS and does scenic construction for BV West Theatre.  In recent years, he has been making and trading his stickers all over the world.  To see more of his artwork, follow on Instagram @cvfrye  

Kevin Thomas Barnett

Kevin Thomas Barnett is a filmmaker and photographer with decades of experience behind the lens. He first gained recognition through his work in skateboarding, creating iconic films for Toy Machine that blended raw energy with a distinct visual style. His eye for composition and tone carried through to projects like the surf film View From A Blue Moon, hailed for its striking cinematography. A participant in RED Digital Cinema’s REDirect Project, Kevin has spent his career shooting film, video, and photography across subcultures, commercial work, and personal explorations—always with a focus on mood, texture, and story.

Brandon Todd Wilson

With a visual foundation of working with winning brands in industries ranging from action sports to coffee, beer to baseball, Brandon Todd Wilson is an award-winning design architect, teacher, author, and practitioner of the particular science that is game-changer branding and illustration. Perhaps fitting for a kid who grew up collecting stickers from his favorite snowboard brands and thinking he was going to be an architect, which influenced his distinct linework style. Wilson is a dad, husband, and avid mountain biker and currently serves as the creative director for Fairwave, an ever-growing collective of coffee brands and shops centered in the Midwest.
My art style comes from a mix of my love for architecture and the organic beauty of nature. I’m fascinated by the linework of blueprints, and I try to bring that sense of structure into my work. At the same time, I’m drawn to the wild and free aspects of nature, which adds a lively and dynamic feel to my pieces. By combining these two passions, I create art that’s both carefully crafted and full of life, showing how the built world and the natural world can come together beautifully.

Sam Fuller-Smith

Sam Fuller-Smith is a songwriter, musician and photographer living in Franklin County, Kansas, having recently relocated from Raleigh, NC. His photography tends to focus on quiet, ordinary moments or scenes, captured on film as a way to highlight their significance and complexity. He is interested in compositions that capture texture, shadows and silence. Always hoping to find the hidden beauty within them."

Ben Hlavacek

Ben Hlavacek was born in Wichita, KS in 1989. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute, receiving BFAs in photography and creative writing. Ben worked in photography as a trade in Kansas City for several photo studios as well as freelance photography, having work published in print media outlets; The Skateboard Mag, Skateboarder, Thrasher Magazine, Color, and Confusion. Ben co-managed the gallery and studio space, The Roost, from 2012-2014. He co-founded KC based photography collective, Archive Collective, from 2013-2015, which facilitated events including meetups, print viewings, museum visits, a critique night series, a traveling show featuring regional artists, and individual artist exhibitions.

In 2014 Ben co-founded the Harrison Street DIY project, which received a Charlotte Street Foundation Rocket Grant in 2015. This project is still currently ongoing, and has become an iconic skateboarding destination, drawing visitors and attention from beyond the boundaries of the US.

Ben began working in the skate park industry in 2017, learning the trades involved in designing and building skateparks and has worked on over 50 different skatepark design/build projects across the US.

Ella Cole – Artist Bio

Ella Cole is a multi-medium artist whose work defies boundaries and blends mediums with a fearless, intuitive touch. Known for her distinctive vision and bold experimentation, Ella has been creating since she could hold a brush—beginning formal art classes at the Alcott Art Center at just three years old. Now a high school student, she continues to build an impressive portfolio that spans drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media.

Her dedication and talent have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Barbara Rieger Memorial Art Award, a testament to her exceptional artistic voice. Ella’s ceramic piece “Weeping Goddess” was selected as her Ceramics Instructor’s top piece of the year and exhibited in Topeka, standing out for its emotional depth and intricate craftsmanship.

In addition to her long-standing involvement at the Alcott Art Center, Ella has pursued further studies at Johnson County Community College, sharpening her technical skills and exploring new forms of expression. This summer, she will take the next step in her journey by attending the Pre-College Art Lab at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she plans to deepen her practice and prepare for a future in the arts.
Ella Cole doesn’t just create art—she tells stories, evokes emotion, and invites viewers into worlds that are at once personal and universal. With a foundation rooted in years of passion and experience, she’s only just beginning.

IT'S OPENING NIGHT!! The Cast and Crew have worked really hard on this production and are very proud to present to you "The Legend of King Arthur". Please come show your support for the Alcott Arts Center https://www.facebook.com/share/o2Rm2isewB1jghT6/

Bio’s for “The Legend of King Arthur”

Merlin ….. Sheri Nixa:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is “the humor and the lessons”. Something AWESOME about myself: I am told I’m caring and loving.
I want to Thank: The Alcott Arts Center and Anna Olson for the opportunities and for their support during this production.

Squire, Knight, Spike, Lady of the Lake ….. Stella Flanders:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is how everyone is used to working together.
Something AWESOME about myself: I play softball and know a lot of people at the Alcott.
I want to Thank: The Alcott and Kairi for helping me and for their support during this production.

Squire, Hawk, Knight ….. Catherine Sims:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is when Merlin and Arthur turn into Birds!
Something AWESOME about myself: I’m good at animal sounds.
I want to Thank: My Mom and Dad and the Alcott for their support during this production.

Squire, Knight, Dragon, Morgana ….. Nicole Didier:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is getting to perform with 2 of my kids and enjoying working with the rest of the cast and crew.
Something AWESOME about myself: I have NEVER lost a fight against a grizzly bear, (also self-taught cook, recent College Grad, Mom & Wife.
I want to Thank the Alcott Arts Center for the opportunity, my Husband, my Kids and my Friends for their support during this production.

Kai ….. Kairi Olson:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is that the cast and I have so many funny moments.
Something AWESOME about myself: I’ve been reading Chapter books since I was a “Little” girl and I LOVE singing!!
I want to Thank: I want to Thank: Alcott Arts Center and my friend Elleanor for being Lancelot! I would also like to thank my friend Harmony for their support during this production.

Arthur ….. Wyatt Flanders:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is our Cast. Everyone makes each other extremely comfortable and it’s really Sweet!
Something AWESOME about myself: this is my 5th year doing Theater but my first show with no musical numbers.
I want to Thank: The Alcott, my Mom and Sister for making this Fun, my Director Anna and the Cast for their support during this production.


Squire, Knight ….. Damien Fitzpatrick:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is: is when Arthur pulls the Sword from the Stone.
Something AWESOME about myself: I’m in a Play!
I want to Thank: Lancelot, Arthur, Merlin and the Knights for their support during this production.

Guenever ….. Kara Snyder:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur” is Lancelot and King Arthur’s Fight.
Something AWESOME about myself is that I LOVE reading and helping.
I want to Thank my Family for their support during this production.

Lancelot ….. Elleanor Hirth:
My favorite thing about “The Legend of King Arthur”: I like that Merlin and Arthur turn into birds and fish.
Something AWESOME about myself: I sing and draw. I like to learn about Science.
I want to Thank: My Mom for rides and my friends for saying I will do great and my Dad and the rest of my Family for believing in me and for their support during this production.

The Horror Season is upon us!! Once again we will transform the South Parking Lot into scenes from some of the “Classic Tales”. Come take a stroll with us and see what we have for your viewing pleasure this year. We have invited Dr. Frankenstein and his Monster, Count Dracula and Miss Elvira, Zombies, Mummies, Medusa, Michael Meyers & Lori Stroud and much much more. Darryl Woods will have his AMAZING Posters, Sheryl Nance Durst will be making fantastic creations with her Face Painting and we can’t forget about ALL the Goodies we will pass out. This is our #21 Annual Halloween at the Alcott. We see between 300-600 kids all the while providing them a SAFE, FUN Place to come to Trick or Treat. We couldn’t do this without our #20+ Volunteers and ALL the Alcott supporters who donate candy, money or their time.

ALCOTT ARTS CENTER MAKER FAIRE SEPT. 16TH 11-4    Artists, Authors, Painters, Pottery/Sculptors, Vendors ect!!! The Alcott Arts Center is hosting a Maker Faire Sept. 16th on the East Lawn.

HERE'S THE MAKER'S WE HAVE BOOKED FOR OUR MAKER FAIRE SEPT. 16, 2023 11AM-4PM 

Jennifer Thomas Zwick KC Farm School: Vegy's, Farming info

Shaquitia McDonald Laquise Lovestar Creations: Jewelry, memory buttons

Carla Bruns Emerald Farms: Honey, Crafts

Henrie Wilson: Journals, knitted items, trinkets

Anna Olson Faire Beads: Make a Bracelet Jewelry, Counted Cross Stitch

Karen Novak Karelynn A. Spacek: Author

Kamille Phillips Kamilles Kind Artisty: Fluid Art Paintings

Autumn, Lilyana, Mercedes: Macrame', Potion bottles, Gnome pots

Chris Parker-Green Crafts by Grandma Chris: Chiefs decor, birdbaths, snack tier dishes

Lucille Renee Terry LovLeeLucee Art: Fluid Art Paintings

Noah Weaver Poet: Author "Garden of Thoughts"

Arianna Neal Singer/performer, Jewelry

Maddie Lai Singer/Songwriter: Performing

Jennifer Kindred "Kindred Works" Crochet stuffed animals, Iced coffee glasses, Mini potion bottles, Mickey Mouse ears, Painted skulls.

Los Angeles Boys: Performing

Haylee & Hope Wiggins Art by Felix: Acrylic Paintings

Crafts N The Dotte / Laura Walters Debus

#100 YEAR CELEBRATION Join us as we Celebrate our lovely Buildings #100 Birthday. The Louisa May Alcott Elementary School Opened in Sept. of 1923 and has been a learning institution since. Take a walk down memory lane as you stroll through the Classroom Galleries and look at ALL the History the building has to brag about. A School K-6th Grades, a shelter for many during the '51 Flood, and a clothing bank just to name a few. Judge Tony Martinez will be our Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Tyrone Garner will give a Proclamation, Kansas Poet Laurate Traci Brimhall will perform some of her Poetry, Arianna Neal will perform some of her own music and we will have a Reception starting at 3pm 

ALCOTT ARTS CENTER HALLOWEEN 2023 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING  Our Theme this year will be "Classic Horror". We will be discussing what characters we will be featuring and who will be Volunteering to be them, props we will need, workdays and more. This is an ALL VOLUNTEER OUTDOOR EVENT the Alcott hosts every year for the Community. We are looking for Volunteers interested in helping out a Not for Profit but also to come have fun and play with us. This meeting will be inside, the Alcott is NOT ADA Accessible. For more info contact chris@alcottartscenter.org or 913-233-2787