Switchgrass

06/22/2026

Switchgrass artist of the week:

Jessica Rhudolph

Photography, Glass in Cement, Cement Jewelry
Lucas, Kansas
Member Since June 2023

Jessica is a local artist and community member of Lucas. Her unique small cement pieces, including customizable mosaic letters display the vibrant, grassroots art-style that the town of Lucas is known for. Jessica's artistry extends to a wide range of handmade necklaces and earrings, and she’s never afraid to explore the possibilities cement offers.

"I’ve liked and done photography since high school. I took a few photography classes at Barton Community College after I had children. I’ve always done crafts and art projects and wanted to figure out a way to sell them, so Switchgrass makes that happen a little easier. Photography and arts and crafts help keep me sane."

2015
Sunflower Visual Arts Festival
1st Place People Professional

Support Switchgrass Artists

Become an annual patron today for $100. The membership session is for 2026. Receive one free coffee, Switchgrass Sketchbook, Switchgrass T-shirt, 10% nontransferable discount on thrift store and coffee stand, not including gallery art.

Click here for an update from Switchgrass!

06/20/2026

We are on the Sunflower Summer roster! Come to Lucas and check us out!

School’s Out For sunflower summer! The 2026 Sunflower Summer Program will run from Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, August 2. Download for Apple Download for Android Sedgwick County Zoo Museum at Prairiefire Wilson State Park Little Jerusalem Botanica Wichita Sternberg Museum Museum at Prairiefire Boo...

06/20/2026

06/18/2026

Obituary

Alan G. Vopat, 76, passed away at his home in Wilson, Kansas on June 7, 2026.

Alan was born on November 16, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to George Leonard Alan and Sylvia Georgina (Svaty) Vopat.

Alan graduated from Wilson High School in 1968. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University, and his master’s degree from the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago, Illinois. Alan also proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Following his military service, he worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, drawing dams. He later embarked on a career as a national and international tour guide, traveling the globe with his then-partner, Ginger Otto, and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.

A lifelong freelance artist, Alan expressed his unique perspective on life through a wide variety of artistic mediums. His work often told stories that made people think, incorporating a distinctive written-word style into his creations. Much of his art drew inspiration from memories of life on the family farm, nicknames he had for family members, and whatever happened to spark his imagination in the moment.

After returning to Wilson later in life, Alan spent considerable time in Lucas, Kansas, where he forged lasting friendships with fellow artists and devoted himself to his craft. He was a member of the Switchgrass Artist Cooperative, where he sold his whimsical drawings and prints. In 2015, he opened the Da Da Muse 'Um Art Gallery in Lucas, explaining that it was created "to give Dinsmoor a little competition." A longtime supporter of the Grassroots Art Center, Alan regularly participated in the annual April Fools-A-Palooza celebration, welcoming visitors to his gallery and sharing stories behind his artistic inspirations.

Alan will be remembered for living life to the beat of his own drum, his remarkable artistic talent, engaging storytelling, love of travel, and enjoyment of a good game of pitch.

Surviving family members include his siblings: Phyllis (Vernon) Dolezal of Kanopolis, KS, Robert (Mary L. Mahoney) Vopat of Topeka, KS, Harry (Loni Jensen) Vopat of Paola, KS, Dr. Richard (Mary Kasper) Vopat of Wilson, and Danny Vopat of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents George and Sylvia (Svaty) Vopat.

A private family celebration of life will be held.

Memorials are suggested to Grassroots Arts and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.

06/15/2026

Gifts for Dad

This Father’s Day, skip the ordinary and give a gift with meaning.

At Switchgrass, you’ll find a curated selection of unique handmade gifts, made with care.

Whether you’re shopping for a dad who loves classic beauty or one with a flair for the unexpected, we have something he’ll truly connect with.

Looking for something traditional? Choose from thoughtful artwork, handcrafted artisanal goods, and more.

Want something with a little personality? Explore our collection of bold, quirky, and even slightly spooky creations that stand out from the crowd.

No matter who you’re celebrating, a handmade gift tells a story and supports living artists simultaneously.

Shop in-store or online and find something as special as the person you call Dad.

Supporting rural art truly matters. In small communities like ours, your generosity can open doors to discover creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through art. Every donation helps keep an affordable place for artists to display and sell art and local children can enjoy meaningful art experiences and keeps these opportunities thriving for years to come. Thank you for making a difference. Switchgrass also has gift cards if you can’t decide what to gift him.

Support Switchgrass Artists

Click here for an update from Switchgrass!

06/08/2026

Switchgrass artist of the week:

Chandler Allie Reich

Sequin Diorama Artist
Lucas, Kansas
Member since February 2021

I am self-taught and late blooming. In my time I have worked as a delivery driver, a dispatcher, and a letter carrier. For the last twenty years I have been a self employed landscape designer and professional gardener (mostly a disgruntled one). In the winter around the year 2000, out of extreme boredom I began making dioramas. I have not been able to stop, although some people have asked me to. I do not draw, I do not paint. I seem to have a knack for arranging things. When I am working on a piece all negative thoughts (which I have in great abundance) leave my mind. I think only of what I am making. I find this very therapeutic.

Support Switchgrass Artists

Become an annual patron today for $100. The membership session is for 2026. Receive one free coffee, Switchgrass Sketchbook, Switchgrass T-shirt, 10% nontransferable discount on thrift store and coffee stand, not including gallery art.

Click here for an update from Switchgrass!

06/07/2026

Art Projects for June 11!
The Art Journal project will be creating a circle collage. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy making adorable paper chickens.
During Social and Quiet Hour, everyone will have the chance to craft beautiful flower arrangements using egg cartons, cardboard, and construction paper. Also, don’t forget to sign up for lunches for anyone aged 1-18. We look forward to a wonderful day of creativity and community!

06/03/2026

New in store!

Lisa Wolters of Sunflower Sue Made has brought in new handmade jewelry crafted from gold, copper, and sterling silver. Check out the latest jewelry and all the other artists' work Wednesday through Sunday, or anytime in the online gallery.

06/01/2026

Switchgrass artist of the week:

Doris Johnson

Wheat Weaver, Writer, Teacher, more
Luray, Kansas
Member since June 2022

Doris, a world-renowned wheat weaver, resides in Luray, Kansas. Passionate about preserving the art of wheat weaving, she has authored a book on the subject and is currently working on another to ensure this cherished folk tradition endures. Beyond her artistry, Doris is a dedicated community organizer and serves as choir director at her church. She also teaches classes, inspiring and educating future generations in this intricate craft. Each of Doris’s creations showcases remarkable detail and precision, leaving viewers truly amazed.

Support Switchgrass Artists

Become an annual patron today for $100. The membership session is for 2026. Receive one free coffee, Switchgrass Sketchbook, Switchgrass T-shirt, 10% nontransferable discount on thrift store and coffee stand, not including gallery art.

Click here for an update from Switchgrass!

05/28/2026

The pizza is here! Stan Detrixhe has made a delightful fused-glass pizza, complete with a pizza box featuring a D🌲 logo (which is how you say his last name). Stan also brought in pterodactyls and arrowheads made of fused glass.