Hailey
Emporia Art Walk: Emporia’s love for art is shining brighter than ever. During the latest Emporia First Friday Art Walk, a stunning mosaic installation came to life at White Memorial Park.
Under the guidance of Wichita artist Kate Pepper, local residents rolled up their sleeves and joined together to create patterned tile bands that will soon decorate 10 mosaic-covered columns.
The project is more than just an art piece—it’s a symbol of how a community’s creativity can transform public spaces into lasting legacies.
The Vision Behind The Mosaic Project
Emporia Art Walk: Sponsored by ESB Financial and presented by The Gazette Collective, the new mosaic installation was chosen by the Emporia Community Arts Alliance. The goal is to celebrate Emporia’s growing reputation as an arts destination in Kansas.
The beautiful columns, designed with ADA-compliant spacing, will stand proudly on the east side of the park—at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Merchant Street—serving as a permanent artistic landmark for everyone to enjoy.
About The Artist: Kate Pepper’s Creative Touch
Artist and educator Kate Pepper is widely known for her large-scale mosaic projects and her passion for using recycled and discontinued materials to promote sustainability in art.
Together with her husband, Charles Baughman, she runs The Art Park in Wichita—a space where art and education come together.
Pepper believes that every community project tells a story. Through this mosaic, she hopes to reflect Emporia’s unity, color, and creativity for years to come.
Community Partnerships Bring The Project To Life
The mosaic installation is a true team effort involving several local organizations:
| Organization | Role in Project |
|---|---|
| City of Emporia | Provided location and support |
| Emporia Community Arts Alliance | Selected and guided the project |
| The Gazette Collective | Sponsored and promoted community engagement |
| Emporia First Friday Art Walk | Offered platform for public participation |
This partnership shows how collaboration between artists, businesses, and citizens can create public art that inspires pride and belonging.
Emporia’s Growing Art Scene
According to Colleen Mitchell, co-owner of The Gazette Collective and a board member of the arts alliance, Emporia’s art movement is becoming a driving force of community spirit.
“Emporia is a dynamic canvas of creativity,” Mitchell said. “It’s incredible to see community-driven projects popping up around town and showcasing the remarkable talent that surrounds us.”
From murals and sculptures to events like the Art Walk, the city continues to prove that art can bring people together—no matter their background or skill level.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Once completed, the mosaic columns will serve as a symbol of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. They’ll remind visitors that Emporia is a place where everyone has a voice—and that voice can shine through art.
The installation also promotes accessibility and public engagement, ensuring that future generations can enjoy, touch, and learn from it.
The Emporia Art Walk mosaic project isn’t just about tiles and colors—it’s about people, teamwork, and imagination. This vibrant new addition to White Memorial Park celebrates Emporia’s artistic identity and shows how shared creativity can strengthen a community.
Every piece placed by a resident adds to a legacy that will inspire joy and unity for decades to come.