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        • Peace Treaty Festival​
          Last Weekend in September

          The annual Peace Treaty Festival is fun for the whole family, with a weekend full of signature events, shopping opportunities, craft vendors, and kids' activities. Every three years, the festival includes the Peace Treaty Pageant and many more activities.
          Learn More
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        • Peace Treaty Festival​
          Last Weekend in September

          The annual Peace Treaty Festival is fun for the whole family, with a weekend full of signature events, shopping opportunities, craft vendors, and kids' activities. Every three years, the festival includes the Peace Treaty Pageant and many more activities.
          Learn More
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The Red Hills of Kansas: Hidden Gems of Inspiration for Local Artists

The Gypsum Hills of south central Kansas is the prime location for seasoned artisans, those who dabble in taking photos, and everyone in between!

Most people don’t realize what hidden gems the Gyp Hills of Kansas really are. Not only is this region a stunningly beautiful natural wonder, it is also rich in Midwestern culture, cattle ranching, and Native American history. This expanse of rust-colored, jagged hills, flat mesas, natural bridges, and deep canyons stirs the imagination and sparks creativity. Every year, the picturesque red Gypsum Hills with their bountiful wildlife, wildflowers, and red cedar trees attract artists and photographers alike, both amateur and professional.

A few extraordinary artists call this region home and glean inspiration from its landscape, Midwestern culture, and Native American heritage.

Scott Bean

Scott Bean is a local nature and landscape photographer. Scott takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary and the results are breathtaking. His inspiration is his love for simply being in the great outdoors. He spent a lot of time outside as a child hunting and fishing. His work evokes a longing for peace, serenity, and a oneness with nature. Each photograph feels as though you could step right into it and spend a day in the peaceful harmony of the Gyp Hills landscape. The best part about his photography is that it’s real, and you can visit the Gyp Hills and experience this magnificent scenery for yourself!

His photos have appeared in several magazines and have been used in calendars, book covers, text books, corporate reports, and corporate websites. He teaches photography classes and workshops and is available for private workshops for those interested. Both amateur and professional photographers alike could learn a great deal studying with Scott. What better reason to visit the Gyp Hills?

Gypsum Hills of Kansas by Scott Bean
Gypsum Hills of Kansas by Scott Bean

Earl Kuhn

Earl Kuhn is an award-winning watercolor artist. Earl uses the ranching heritage of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, for his inspiration. His works feature the modern-day ranch cowboy, his livestock, and the land. He paints with a heightened attention to detail, and his use of light makes his work appear remarkably lifelike.

Earl’s work has been displayed in many art shows throughout the United States and featured on numerous magazine covers.

You can see Earl’s artwork on display at the Sagebrush Gallery of Western Art located in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, which he has owned and operated since 1979. The gallery is open weekdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., or you can call for an appointment. You can also view his paintings at the annual Peace Treaty Festival.

Makin’ One More Pass by Earl Kuhn

Elisa Stone

Elisa Stone is a local ceramic artist. Elisa’s work is inspired by the American West, life on the ranch, and Native American history. She crafts mugs, platters, and trivets as well as eclectic, one-of-a-kind art pieces.

Elisa’s work has been displayed in many group exhibits and art competitions throughout the United States, most notably the Kansas Masters Invitational Art Show and The Governor’s Inaugural Exhibition Invitational. Her pieces can be found in galleries in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and California, as well as various private and corporate collections.

You can see and purchase Elisa’s work at the Maker Mercantile, which she owns and operates, located in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. The lower level of the converted church building is her own working ceramics studio. Not only could you meet the artist, there is a good chance you’ll get to see her in action as well! The Maker Mercantile also features a number of other talented artists and craftsmen, both local to Medicine Lodge and throughout the state of Kansas.

Native Teapot
Native bowl
Buffalo Warrior II

David Vollbracht

David Vollbracht is a local artist who paints representational landscapes. Using the Midwest and the Rocky Mountains as his inspiration, David takes in the ever-changing scenery and uses it to evoke an emotional response through his paintings.

David has won various awards, and his work has been featured in numerous art shows. He is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America.

Quiet Afternoon, David Vollbracht
Trickle Down, David Vollbracht

Latest Highlights

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Top 5 Athletic Hobbies of the Rugged Gyp Hills

The beautiful Gypsum Hills of south-central Kansas, is an unexpected, yet exciting destination for athletes who want to experience the beauty of the Scenic High Plains and the challenge of the rugged and remote landscape. Located just an hour and a half west of Wichita, the area’s rolling hills, gypsum...
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Hatchet-Wielding Carry A. Nation Began Her Saloon-Smashing Career Living in Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Carrie A. Nation is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas People, and Medicine Lodge is proud to have her as a part of Medicine Lodge history. One of the main attractions in the Medicine Lodge area is The Stockade Museum & Carry Nation Home. The Stockade Museum & Carry...
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Kansas Blogger Reflects on the Anderson Creek Fire in “A Few Miles West of Medicine Lodge”

In his poem, “A Few Miles West of Medicine Lodge,” Harold “Doc” Arnett contemplates the area’s devastation and recovery from the wildfires that burned tens of thousands of acres of land in south-central Kansas in March of 2016. This poem was published on Arnett’s blog, Reflections by Doc Arnett: Lessons...
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The New Peace Treaty Festival Isn’t Really New at All

For years, the “Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty” has been equated with the grandeur of the annual Peace Treaty reenactment pageant. However, many other great activities occur during that final September weekend each year. In 2019, the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Association renamed the weekend “Peace Treaty Festival” to christen the...
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Watch History Come Alive at the Peace Treaty Festival

The annual Peace Treaty Festival, established in 1927, is a spectacular celebration of diversity and culture! Attend the Peace Treaty Festival to both observe and participate in events and activities steeped in authentic Native American tradition. Where? Medicine Lodge, Kansas, amid the rugged, rust-colored Gyp Hills When? Friday, September 27–Sunday,...
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The Red Hills of Kansas: Hidden Gems of Inspiration for Local Artists

The Gypsum Hills of south central Kansas is the prime location for seasoned artisans, those who dabble in taking photos, and everyone in between! Most people don’t realize what hidden gems the Gyp Hills of Kansas really are. Not only is this region a stunningly beautiful natural wonder, it is...
Read more
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