By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

Bixler’s Art Barn, located at 20011 SE 20th Ave, Pratt, Kansas, will host a community event on Saturday, October 26 in conjunction with the closing of several Vernon Filley Art Museum exhibits meant to bring healing and hope to humanity. A new labyrinth garden and metal ball-and-chain door at the Bixler’s provide a venue for spiritual and mental rejuvenation. After a 3 p.m. visit to the Filley for an exhibit-closing reception, patrons are invited out to the Bixler place for the 4 p.m. labyrinth walk and bubble release.

“I built this extra large metal door and it is left always half open so anyone can walk through it,” said Dick Bixler. “There is a metal ball attached to a broken chain in the doorway, signifying that one can break away from the negative energy and self-made guilt that many of us have, and leave it behind. Step into the labyrinth and experience the beauty of nature and the calming relaxing sounds made by our water feature. Our hope is that you will come out feeling renewed, relaxed, and released from things that weight you down.”

Nancy Bixler said that she enjoys walking through that door and experiencing the peace and joy of the labyrinth almost every day.

“This was really the idea of my good friend Janet Rode,” Nancy Bixler said. “We were already planning to put a nature path back here, and knew we wanted a water fountain of some sort, but Janet suggested we add a labyrinth as a spiritual walking trail, and it has just been built from there. We have had so many good friends help along the way. We have made some great connections as this project came together.”

Dick Bixler constructed the big open door and the metal ball, which is inscribed with words to leave behind such as guilt, blame, judgment, anger, and worry. Billie Jo Rhone of Pratt contributed many of the rocks for the labyrinth garden and went with the Bixlers to Hayes to collect many others. Roger Simmons of Kingman provided cedar planks for benches in the labyrinth that rest on metal frames, Rode designed rock spirals in the garden, and Bixler’s dog, Ace, provides continued approval of the solar-powered water feature in the middle of the nature walk.

“We just want this to be a place where anyone can come out, any time, to nourish their soul and spirit,” Bixler said. “Your walk through this door and labyrinth will help you view your current situation in a much deeper and positive perspective.”

The Bixler’s Art Barn Labyrinth Garden is intended to be enjoyed by individuals, groups, church gatherings, parties, families, wedding couples, photographers, and any others looking for a peaceful and meaningful setting.

The grand opening for Bixler’s big door and spiritual labyrinth walk, which is part of the Filley’s Healing and Hope events on Saturday, October 26, takes place at 4 p.m.

Other events coming soon at the Bixler’s Art Barn include Santa and Sleigh Rides on December 19, 20, and 21 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The public is invited to this free annual event which features horse-drawn wagon rides, live musicians, wooden toys, food trucks, and a meet and greet with Mr. and Mrs. Santa, plus much more.