By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
*with Jeanette Siemens
Mardi Gras is a celebration usually associated with New Orleans, a pre-Lenten party of sorts. Last weekend the Pratt Municipal Building was packed with people of all ages, Saturday, March 1, for the Vernon Filley Art Museum’s adaptation of a Mardi Gra celebration, with an emphasis on fine art, southern cuisine, and a party atmosphere. The auditorium was totally and beautifully decorated for the occasion which is a fundraiser for the art museum’s future events for community impact.
Billed as the Mardi Gras Ball and Art Auction, last Saturday’s event in Pratt featured 33 pieces of selected art works that were sold to the highest bidder, auctioned by John Hamm of Hamm Real Estate and Auction Services, Pratt. On hand to help showcase the art was Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith.
“People of all ages attended the event,” said Jeanette Siemens, local civic leader. “Everyone was dressed up and/or in costume. The evening opened with Cocktails and Cajun food along with the Silent Auction featuring many beautiful art pieces. Mayor Kyle Farmer gave us a welcome before the Live Art Auction began and later in the evening Kelly Hunt+The 5 provided entertainment and music. The dance area was filled with people of all ages enjoying the music and company. Darrell Stroda emceed throughout the evening. The event seemed a huge success, and one that may continue in the future.”
Gracie Bronson, Vernon Filley Art Museum representative, said that several art pieces auction off sold for more than $1,000 each. The highest selling item by Roger Williams (a realist/impressionist artist who creates southwestern/Santa Fe themed paintings) which went for an undisclosed amount but quoted as “multiple thousands.”
The event was a fundraiser for art and education in the Pratt community, and as such, there was a satisfying end to the auction when 53 open donation bids were taken in amounts of $500, $250, and $100, Bronson said.
The Mardi Gras Ball and Art Auction was attended by those who purchased pre-event tickets and was a sold-out feature for 2025.
