A new exhibit at the Volland Foundation is giving visitors a chance to experience the Flint Hills through the eyes of the artist who helped tell its story for years.
“A Tribute to the Art of Symphony in the Flint Hills Field Journals” opened July 5 and runs through Aug. 9 at the Volland Foundation in Alma, Kansas. The exhibit features work from eight artists whose paintings and photographs appeared in the Field Journals produced by Symphony in the Flint Hills.
For nearly two decades, Symphony of the Flint Hills brought thousands of people to the prairie through its signature outdoor concerts while promoting appreciation and stewardship of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The organization’s final event was held in 2025, ending a beloved Kansas tradition that introduced generations of visitors to the Flint Hills.
Patty Reece, co-executive director and founder of the Volland Foundation, said the idea for the exhibit came from a desire to honor that legacy.
“We know that people really miss Symphony in the Flint Hills,” Reece said. “It was a great Kansas tradition for 20 years.”
Artist Matt Regier, who served as art editor for the final seven editions of the Field Journal, curated the exhibit. Regier selected eight artists whose work helped define how many people see and understand the Flint Hills landscape. Reece said each artist brings a unique perspective to the Flint Hills.
The exhibit also highlights the lasting impact of the Field Journals themselves. Published alongside Symphony in the Flint Hills events, the journals combined art, science, history, poetry and storytelling to help educate readers about the tallgrass prairie. Today, the journals remain available online and continue to be used by researchers around the world.
“When people come and see this exhibit, I hope they take away from it an understanding of all of the different aspects and beautiful things in the Flint Hills,” Reece said. “And it will help them to look a little bit more deeply when they travel through the Flint Hills and think about it and appreciate it.”
The exhibit is part of a larger celebration planned for July 18. The Volland Foundation will host “A Celebration of the Legacy of Symphony in the Flint Hills,” featuring artists, food, drinks and a concert by The Cherokee Maidens. Organizers say the event will give former attendees, artists and community members an opportunity to gather, share memories and celebrate the impact Symphony had on Kansas. Admission to the exhibit is free. More information can be found on the Volland Foundation’s website.