Martha Wherry
Visual artist, teacher in Arts Partners, Wichita
2007 grant of $5000 to attend the International School of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture in Umbria, Italy
“When I received the official Trust envelope, I was almost afraid to open it. I stared at it, put it away, picked it up again a few minutes later – prayed fervently, “Oh, please, let me go to Italy!” and when I saw on opening the letter and reading quickly that not only did I receive a grant, but the maximum financial assistance allowed, I was very excited. ECSTATIC in big letters. I think I did the Happy Dance.
“Through my month in Umbria, I was able to see some of the most fantastic art in the world, soak in as much history as possible, and immerse myself in my studio work. I tell the children I teach that your first role as an artist is to be a good observer; in my trip to Italy I focused on observations of the people, the language, the countryside, and the constant construction and re-construction of buildings to translate into my own work of abstract and landscape paintings.
“The Koch Cultural Trust is a godsend to local artists – we are fortunate this benefactor has given generously. To the selection committee for the Kansas Cultural Trust: I am so grateful to each of you for awarding me a grant. It’s my heartfelt intent to assimilate my experiences in Italy into my own artwork and be a stronger artist as a result.”