Above Image: Thomas Hart Benton, “Meeting House,” 1942, egg tempera and opaque watercolor on paper/Images courtesy K-State
On Sept. 2, Kansas State University’s Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art will open Rural America, a new exhibition that explores the stories and experiences of small-town life across the United States.
The exhibition features works by historic and contemporary artists such as Ernest Williams Watson, Mary Huntoon, Thomas Hart Benton, Brian Maxwell, Jeremiah Ariaz, and John Steuart Curry. It presents an honest look at rural life, highlighting both its challenges and strengths. Themes include the decline of small farms, the closure of local businesses, and the resilience found in community events and historic preservation. Visitors can see a mix of printed, drawn, and painted works.
Running through Sept. 26, 2026, the exhibition will be displayed in two installations across the fall and spring semesters in the Ruth Ann Wefald Gallery. Public programming will accompany the exhibition, offering opportunities to explore issues affecting rural communities and how they are responding.
Programs include Let’s Talk Local Newspapers with photographer Jeremiah Ariaz on Oct. 2 and Hungry Heartland: Exploring Food Deserts in the Breadbasket on April 16, 2026, featuring conversations with K-State faculty and students.
The Beach Museum of Art has been connecting regional art and communities since 1996. It is open Tuesday through Saturday with free admission and parking. Visit the museum’s website for livestream events and online exhibitions, view special programs on the museum’s YouTube channel , and receive information on programs and events through the calendar.
