By Michael D. King
DODGE CITY — For over a century, the limestone walls of the Carnegie Library have stood as a monument to knowledge in Dodge City. This month, those same walls are being viewed through fresh eyes as the Ford County Historical Society kicks off its 4th Annual Landmark Arts Project.
The initiative challenges students from across the region—representing Dodge City Middle School, Comanche Middle School, Sacred Heart, DCHS, and Dodge City Community College—to reinterpret local landmarks through various artistic mediums. This year’s muse is the iconic 1907 Carnegie building, now known as the Carnegie Center for the Arts.
Investing in the Arts
The project is more than just a gallery showing; it is a full-scale investment in the local creative economy. Through partnerships with the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas and the Community Facilities Advisory Board, the Ford County Historical Society ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of talent.
Mary Hendrix, Landmark Arts project coordinator and Vice President of the Ford County Historical Society, stated that the program will provide essential art supplies to every participating school. “It’s about honoring the dedication of both the students and the instructors who guide them,” Hendrix explained.
The stakes are high for participating artists, as the project will culminate in the awarding of three scholarships for students to continue their studies at Dodge City Community College.
How to Visit
For those unable to attend the main reception on May 13, the exhibit offers several viewing windows:
- Gallery Dates: Saturday, April 18 – Thursday, May 14
- Final Friday Reception: April 24 (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Regular Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Event Highlights: Wednesday, May 13
The awards evening promises a multisensory experience for attendees:
- 5:00 PM: The evening opens with the sounds of the DCHS Orchestra Ensemble.
- 5:30 PM: The formal Awards Ceremony begins, recognizing the top works across various age groups.
- Refreshments: Local supporters have provided snacks and drinks for guests as they tour the gallery.
The photos are of the Carnegie Library in Dodge City (now the Carnegie Center for the Arts), which was established through a 1905 grant and officially opened to the public in February 1907, with Iva Nelson serving as the first librarian. In 1905, Local women’s clubs pushed for a public library, leading Judge E.H. Madison to petition Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie initially approved a $7,500 grant, which was later increased to $8,500 after the city met the necessary maintenance funding requirements. The building’s size was doubled in 1936 with support from the Works Progress Administration, which is why the structure today looks different from the original 1907 postcards.