On Valentine's Day, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art in Manhattan, Kansas, opened the inaugural "Kansas Triennial 25/26" exhibition, featuring works by four Kansas-based visual artists: Mona Cliff, Mark Cowardin, Poppy DeltaDawn, and Ann Resnick. The museum engaged young visitors by handing out paper hearts and inviting them to place their heart in front of the artwork they loved best, creating a reflective and participatory experience.
The triennial's focused approach—highlighting only four artists rather than a broad survey—allows for deeper conversation and sets a thoughtful foundation for future editions. This model emphasizes quality over quantity, fostering meaningful engagement with regional contemporary art and connecting the community to the artists' diverse practices, from beadwork and basketry to burn-mark drawings and sculpture.