Filley Art Museum Launches Facilities Task Force 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2025

Filley Art Museum Launches Facilities Task Force 

PRATT, KS — The Vernon Filley Art Museum is proud to announce the formation of the Filley Facilities Task Force, a community-driven initiative dedicated to assessing and envisioning the museum’s physical and operational needs as it prepares to serve Pratt and the surrounding region for the next decade.

The Facilities Task Force will utilize a comprehensive planning process to evaluate the museum’s current facility, identify future needs for exhibitions, education, collections, and operations, and develop a phased improvement plan aligned with the museum’s mission and long-term sustainability.

“The Filley has always been more than a building—it’s a place where art, education, and community come together,” said Facilities Task Force Facilitator and Board Vice Chair, Sue Givens. “This task force represents a significant step toward ensuring our space continues to meet the evolving needs of the people it serves.”

Scope of Work

Over the coming year, the task force will:

• Solicit and review proposals from qualified architecture firms for facility assessment and planning.
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, including exhibition, educational, and operational priorities.
• Develop a phased facilities improvement plan with financing and fundraising recommendations.

Timeline Highlights

• September 30, 2025: Task Force holds its initial meeting and issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for architectural services.
• October–December 2025: Review and interviews of architecture firms.
• January 2026: Collaboration begins with the selected firm.
• September 2026 (tentative): Final recommendations presented to the Filley Board.

Community Representation

The Facilities Task Force brings together a diverse group of representatives from across the community, including board members, artists, patrons, local businesses, and professionals in construction and engineering.

Task Force Members:

Dick Bixler, Don Buhler, Tyler Dallis, Debbie Estes, Chase Galle, Jack Galle, Sue Givens, Cara Hanson, Donna Hoener-Queal, Larry Kahmeyer, Nancy Kerr, Doug Knight, Lisa Perez Miller, Brittany Novotny, Tiffany Riley, George Sherer, Darrell Shumway, Linda Stelzer, and Mike Westerhaus.

“This process is about planning for the next decade of art, learning, and community connection,” said Brittany Novotny, Executive Director. “By engaging a wide range of voices and a structured facilitated process , the task force seeks to ensure the Filley’s vision reflects both our heritage and our future. However, it must be noted there would be no future without the dedication, commitment and generosity of our Founding Donors:

Jerry and Julie Bohn - Doug Brehm - Gary & Lynette Curtis - The Boyd A Davies Family - Larry & Lyn Fenwick - The Filley Family - Alan & Marie Hanson - Blake and Chris Himmelwright - LeRoy & Susan Jones - Fred and Nancy Kerr - Doug and Kay Knight - Steve and Willa Beth Mills in Memory of Opal Mae Novotny - Dr Gary & Vickie Morsch - Dr. Eric & Dr. Amy Clarkson - Wesley & Janice Norman - Legacy Bank - Stan Reimer - The Jacob Roenbaugh Family -Susan Schrepel - Stanion Wholesale Electric - George & Lu Sherer - Barbara Shinkle - Ruth and Dennis Teichman - Dr James & Mary Ann Van Blaricum

Without their leadership over a decade ago, the FIlley Art Museum programming would not have grown and expanded to such a success serving over 8,000 patrons and community members annually. We want to extend a special thank you to our members and our Legacy Arts Society as well. The unwavering generosity of the Pratt area community has been both astounding and essential in supporting our mission. 

The Vernon Filley Art Museum invites the Pratt community to follow this process and stay involved as plans unfold. Updates will be shared through the museum’s website, newsletters, and social media channels.

About the Vernon Filley Art Museum

Founded in 2014, the Vernon Filley Art Museum serves as a regional hub for visual arts, cultural education, and community engagement. Through exhibitions, classes, education and partnerships, the museum celebrates creativity and inspires connections among artists and audiences of all ages. The Museum’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant environment that supports connections through innovative and diverse art-centric opportunities for all. The Vernon Filley Art Museum celebrates and preserves the visual arts through expansion of the Dr. Vernon and Emily “Mimi” Filley permanent collection. The museum features a permanent collection of Southwestern art, as well as a growing body of work by current Kansas, regional, and nationally recognized artists in a variety of styles and genres.

More news releases in this series at this link:

Vernon Filley Art Museum Demolishes Property to Expand Parking and Future Growth Opportunities

For more information, please contact

Sue Givens, Task Force Facilitator & Board Vice Chair

Brittany Novotny, Executive Director at  bnovotny@vernonfilleyartmuseum.org

Vernon Filley Art Museum 620-933-2787 www.vernonfilleyartmuseum.org