The Flint Hills Discovery Center has introduced Vigilance, a new large-scale public sculpture by Kansas artist Alan Tollakson, now installed outside the Center’s main entrance in Manhattan.
Carved from Flint Hills limestone, Vigilance depicts a life-size bison cow standing watch over her newborn calf. The sculpture symbolizes protection, stewardship and the enduring spirit of the Flint Hills. It also reflects the region’s ecology, natural heritage and the importance of caring for the tallgrass prairie for future generations.
The sculpture also carries a special connection to Chase County. For months, travelers driving along K-177 through Strong City were able to watch the bison sculpture gradually take shape as Tollakson worked on the piece. What began as a massive piece of Flint Hills limestone slowly emerged into the form of a bison cow and calf, giving passersby a rare opportunity to witness the creation of public art in progress.
That connection makes the finished work especially meaningful for those who saw it being carved in Strong City before it made its way to Manhattan. The sculpture now stands as both a tribute to the Flint Hills landscape and a reminder of the craftsmanship rooted in the region itself.
The sculpture was made possible through the generosity of Karen and John McCulloh and the McCulloh family. It is dedicated in honor of Jan Garton, whose lifelong commitment to conservation left a lasting impact on Kansas.
As the first piece in a proposed sculpture trail at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Vigilance marks a new chapter for public art, education and community connection in downtown Manhattan.
A photo of the sculpture prominently displayed in front of the Flint Hills Discovery Center appears on page 4 of today’s Council Grove Republican.