Beyond existing as an agricultural hub for three states, Goodland has a variety of interesting offerings. Art naturally springs to mind due to the Big Easel; the Big Easel is a giant reproduction of Van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers in a Vase painting.  The painting was painted by Canadian artist Cameron Cross and installed Goodland on June 19, 2001.  Augmenting Goodland’s art scene is the Carnegie Arts Center. To bring more art to Goodland, the Carnegie Arts Center has started the program “Art in the Park” to place mini-easel paintings done by Goodland artists in our parks.

The Art in the Park program was started to help beautify Goodland and to draw visitors to Goodland.  It is also a great way to spread art from local artists throughout the community.  The art is all unique and helps express something creative about our town.  The first Art in the Park was put up in Gulick Park.  The artist, Brian Freeman, painted a Picasso style rooster that sits facing 8^th Street.  The second Art in the Park was done by three artists; Toby Hurst, Spencer Windell, and Travis Scollard.  What is unique about this painting is it is done completely with spray paint.  This painting is entitled “The Planets” and can be found in Steever Park near the skateboard park.  The third Art in the Park painting is slated to be installed soon and will be placed in Rosewood Park.  This painting was done by Goodland High School students and mimics Aboriginal work from Canada.  To make the painting relate to Goodland, Arapahoe symbols were used in the painting as this was the tribe that would have been present in the Goodland area.

Art in the Park is an excellent way to showcase our local talent and to beautify our city.  With the Big Easel and the mini-easels around town we are in the process of having our own art tour throughout the town.  Two paintings are already up with the third one on the way.  Stop by Gulick and Steever Parks to take a look at the paintings and then stop by Pioneer Park to see the inspiration behind the mini-easels.