Konza Prairie Nature Trail

10/05/2026

Thank you, sponsors!!! ❤️❤️❤️

🌾🎨 A huge thank you to all of the sponsors who make Visions of the Flint Hills possible!

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors. Without them, this celebration of Flint Hills-inspired art wouldn't be possible! Sponsors listed in the comments.

Friday night’s Opening Reception at Buttonwood Art Space was a wonderful start to this year’s show, with more than 30 pieces of artwork purchased! Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the artists, the Flint Hills, and Friends of Konza Prairie. 💛

There is still plenty of incredible artwork available! These Flint Hills-inspired artworks make the perfect gift for the holidays, even if the gift is for yourself 🎁

🎨 Browse and purchase artwork online until December 9th: https://buttonwoodartspace.com/show/2026-visions-of-the-flint-hills-9-28-26

Or experience the artwork in person at Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m until December 9th.

Every purchase is split 50/50 between the artist and Friends of Konza Prairie. We’re so thankful to our sponsors, artists, Buttonwood Financial Group, LLC, and everyone who supports this special celebration of the Flint Hills! 🌾

10/05/2026

Thank you Steel and Pipe Supply! We always appreciate your support!

🌾 As we wrap up our 2026 major sponsor spotlights, we’re proud to recognize Steel and Pipe Supply Company Inc. for their generous support of this year’s Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit! 🎨

With roots in Manhattan dating back to 1933, Steel and Pipe Supply has grown considerably over the decades while maintaining a strong connection to the community where it all began. We’re grateful for their investment in Friends of Konza Prairie and their support of this special celebration of the Flint Hills! 💛

🎉 And tonight is the night! Join us for the Visions of the Flint Hills opening reception at Buttonwood Art Space from 5–8 p.m. Enjoy live music by Garrett Childers, a complimentary bar, great community, and the best opportunity to see this incredible collection of Flint Hills-inspired artwork in person!

🏆 We’ll also announce this year’s Best in Show, selected by our Honorary Chairs, Stacy & Lowell Kohlmeier!

Thank you to Buttonwood Financial Group, LLC for hosting this event for FOKP each and every year! We could not pull this off without your staff, gallery space, and generosity! 💛

Can’t make it tonight? Visions of the Flint Hills is live through December 9, and artwork is available for purchase online: https://buttonwoodartspace.com/show/2026-visions-of-the-flint-hills

Every purchase is split 50/50 between the artist and Friends of Konza Prairie, making Visions our largest annual fundraiser and an important source of support for our work.

See you tonight! 🌾🎨

09/30/2026

Thank you KS State Bank!

🏦 Thank you to for sponsoring this year’s Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit! 🌾🎨

Founded in Manhattan in 1969, KS State Bank has a long history of serving its neighbors and supporting organizations that make a difference in the communities where its employees live and work. We’re grateful for their support of Friends of Konza Prairie and our largest annual fundraiser! 💛

Don't miss the opening reception, THIS FRIDAY, Oct. 2nd from 5pm - 8pm at Buttonwood Art Space!

🎨 The art show is live now thru December 9! Explore the collection and purchase artwork at Buttonwood Art Space: https://buttonwoodartspace.com/show/2026-visions-of-the-flint-hills

09/28/2026

Heartbreaking…

The new FHSU statement confirms that the Sternberg Museum’s public-facing operations will close December 18, 2026. Faculty and staff will remain through the end of the year to review the collections, determine what must be retained for research and teaching, and work with outside organizations on the responsible disposition of specimens.

FHSU says the closure is part of its response to a $2.4 million recurring state funding reduction. The university estimates closing Sternberg will save about $850,000, while the museum has historically required roughly $835,000 to $856,000 annually in university subsidy. FHSU says keeping it open would require roughly $1 million in new recurring revenue every year, plus addressing more than $20 million in deferred building maintenance.

The statement also explicitly says FHSU remains open to potential solutions and is partnering with the Foundation on fundraising, but frames the responsibility for changing the broader funding situation toward the Kansas Legislature.

09/28/2026

Thank you Genesis Health Clubs for being a sponsor of the visions at the Flint Hills benefit art show

💪 🏃🏽‍♀️Thank you to Genesis Health Clubs in Manhattan for sponsoring this year’s Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit! 🌾🎨

🏋️‍♀️ Genesis Health Clubs is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more active lives while building strong connections in the communities they serve. We’re grateful for their support of Friends of Konza Prairie and the Flint Hills community! 💛

🎨 The art show is live beginning TOMORROW, Monday, Sept. 28 thru December 10! The opening reception is Friday, Oct. 2nd, 5pm–8pm at Buttonwood Art Space for First Friday in Kansas City.

Explore the collection and purchase artwork at Buttonwood Art Space: https://buttonwoodartspace.com/show/2026-visions-of-the-flint-hills

This is our largest annual fundraiser! All purchases are split 50/50 between the artist and Friends of Konza Prairie. We could not do it without the support of our sponsors, Buttonwood Art Space, and the incredible artists who donate their time, energy, and unique creations to this art benefit! Thank you!

09/25/2026

Thank you Addair Law for supporting this special art benefit!

⚖️ Thank you to Addair Law for sponsoring this year's Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit! 🌾🎨

Based in Manhattan, Addair Law is committed to serving its community and supporting causes that make the region a better place. Their support of local arts and community events reflects that commitment.

We’re grateful to have Addair Law as a sponsor of Visions of the Flint Hills 💛

🎨 The art show is live beginning next Monday, Sept. 28 thru December 10! The opening reception is next Friday, Oct. 2nd, 5pm - 8pm at the Buttonwood Art Space for First Friday in Kansas City.

Explore the collection and purchase artwork at Buttonwood Art Space: https://buttonwoodartspace.com/show/2026-visions-of-the-flint-hills-9-28-26

This is our largest annual fundraiser! All purchases are split 50/50 between the artist and Friends of Konza Prairie. We could not do it without the support of all of our sponsors, Buttonwood Art Space, and the incredible artists who donate their time, energy, and unique creations to this art benefit!

09/23/2026

The Konza Environmental Education Program (KEEP) loves sharing the prairie with the kids of Kansas! Wow - today was filled with bison and butterflies - learn more...