Atchison Art Association
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The Atchison Art Association is proud to present the 2026 Community Show, a celebration of the creativity and artists who shape our community and enrich our shared environments. The exhibition will be on view at the Cultural Center for the Arts from February 19 through April 15, 2026.
This year’s opening reception highlights connection, creativity, and accessibility, inviting guests to experience art as something active, welcoming, and shared. From 5:00–6:30 PM, local artists Savannah Martin, Vaughn Schultz, and Len Matthies will participate in a live Quick Draw, each completing a work in just 90 minutes so visitors can witness the artistic process in real time. Live musical performance will be presented by The ForceFields, bringing energy and experimentation into the gallery and expanding how audiences experience art in a shared space.
Throughout the duration of the show, special weekend programming such as artist talks and workshops will offer additional opportunities for learning, dialogue, and hands-on engagement. More than an exhibition, the 2026 Community Show is a celebration of community, creativity, and the belief that the arts should be accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all.
Opening Reception Feb 28th 5-8pm,
On view Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10-4 until April 12th.
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Sister Helen Student Show March 7th - April.
March is Youth Art Month!
Join us for the Opening Reception on March 7th from 1-5 pm at the Muchnic Gallery.
The Bridge Sculpture
The Bridge is our current public art project, set to be installed along the Atchison riverfront and completed in summer 2026. This large-scale sculpture incorporates original pieces of the historic Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, which was built in 1938 and deconstructed in 2012. By reusing these materials, the project preserves an important piece of Atchison’s history while transforming it into a new work of public art.
Once complete, The Bridge will serve as a permanent sculpture on the riverfront, offering the community a tangible connection to a familiar landmark and its history in a new, accessible form.
Our Mission
Our mission remains unchanged: To promote and expand access to the arts and art education and to create opportunities for artistic expression throughout Atchison and the surrounding area.
Our Story
The Atchison Art Association was founded in 1966 at the historic Muchnic Gallery as a central hub for the arts in Atchison, Kansas. The Muchnic family donated their Queen Anne Victorian home to house the organization, establishing a lasting home for local creativity and culture.
Over the years, the Association has been led by four executive directors, most recently Deborah Geiger (2010–2025) and Molly Porter (2025–present). It has hosted many notable exhibitions and programs that highlight both regional and visiting artists.
In 2020, the organization expanded its impact with the opening of the Cultural Center for the Arts, made possible through a generous trust from benefactor Darrell Schmitt. A former local artist supported by the Association, Schmitt went on to a successful creative career and left a legacy that continues to benefit the community.
Today, the Cultural Center functions as both a community gathering space and a creative incubator, offering workshops, classes, and events for youth and adults. Guided by its mission to support and advance the arts and arts education in Atchison, the Association remains dedicated to making the arts accessible and vibrant for all.