To Bee or Not to Be

A special exhibition featuring works by visual artist Michaela Valli Groeblacher and poet Kim Stanley has opened at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery. It is one of several art installations associated with the 2026 Prairie Festival (Sept 25-27), celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. The exhibition will continue through October 18.

The exhibition, To Bee or Not To Be, explores the interconnectedness of humans and nature. It features Valli Groeblacher’s ceramic pieces, paintings, and photographs paired with poetry by Stanley.

“The individual art pieces show how two minds see this interconnectedness with others and with the earth and nature,” said Valli Groeblacher. “As humans we do not exist in a vacuum, we are connected and dependent. Kim and I think that it is therefore fitting that two artists show as one.”

Valli Groeblacher is recently retired from the art department at McPherson College. She has earned recognition for her work in state and national juried art shows. Stanley is a professor emeritus of English from McPherson College and has led book discussions and writing workshops for Humanities Kansas.

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is located at 401 N First Street. Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday, and 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment.