Filley Art Museum Advances Master Planning Process with Anderson Knight Architects (AKA)
Photograph from Facilities Task Force Meeting on April 7, 2026. Pictured Left to Right:
Sue Givens, Nancy Kerr, Michael Westerhaus, Adrienne Yoxall (AKA); Jason Pittman (Branch Pattern); Lisa Perez-Miller, Cara Hanson, George Sherer, Nick Whitney(AKA); Tracy Anderson (AKA); Chase Galle, Jack Galle, Larry Kahmeyer, Don Buhler, Linda Stelzer. *task force members not pictured Dick Bixler, Tyler Dallis, Debbie Estes, Donna Hoener-Queal, Doug Knight, Brittany Novotny, Tiffany Riley, and Darrell Shumway
PRATT, KS — The Vernon Filley Art Museum is pleased to announce the selection of Anderson Knight Architects (AKA) to guide a comprehensive facility expansion study as part of the museum’s long-range master planning efforts.
This initiative reflects the museum’s continued growth over the past decade and its commitment to thoughtfully planning for the future. As programming, attendance, and community engagement have expanded, the museum is taking a proactive approach to ensure its facilities can continue to support its mission for years to come. Our founding donors established an ideal facility for our community, and over the past decade, the organization’s success has led us to explore how a modest expansion could better serve evolving needs.
The museum is currently engaged in a structured master planning process consisting of seven facilitated meetings. This week marked the second meeting in the series, where staff, task force members, and project partners began exploring possibilities for future facility expansion and operational improvements.
“It is incredibly exciting to be at this stage of the process,” said Executive Director Brittany Novotny. “We are building on the strong foundation established by our founding donors and community supporters. This planning effort is not about changing who we are—it’s about ensuring we can continue to grow and serve our community in meaningful ways.”
Anderson Knight Architects brings extensive experience in cultural and community-focused design, with notable work in Manhattan, Kansas, including projects such as the Manhattan Arts Center and other civic and academic facilities. Their work is recognized for blending functionality with thoughtful, community-centered design—making them a strong partner for this next phase of the museum’s evolution. An important part of this process includes a thorough evaluation of the facility and its systems, and the team at AKA has been impressed by the building’s exceptional condition, remaining nearly pristine since its completion in 2014.
“AKA is honored to have been chosen for this culturally significant project in Pratt. This is the kind of project we care deeply about—projects that make a difference in the community they serve. The Filley Art Museum has had a significant impact in Pratt and the surrounding region for a little over a decade now, and we are excited to help shape and guide how the museum continues to execute its Mission and Vision for decades to come.” Tracy Anderson, Anderson Knight Architects
The planning process will focus on assessing the museum’s existing spaces and identifying opportunities to enhance, collections care and storage, exhibitions, education programs and visitor experience. At this stage, the study is exploratory in nature, with final recommendations to be developed through the full planning process over the coming year.
“This phase is about listening, learning, and imagining what’s possible,” said Facilities Task Force Facilitator and Board Vice Chair Sue Givens. “We are engaging a wide range of perspectives to ensure the outcome reflects both our community’s needs and the museum’s long-term vision.”
The Vernon Filley Art Museum views this effort as a natural next step in its evolution. As the organization enters its second decade, undertaking a master planning process signals both stability and success—demonstrating the strength of community support and the impact of the museum’s programming.
Part of the process will include exploration of similar museums and facilities that have recently taken similar steps of growth. The museum will continue to share updates as the planning process progresses.
Museum Staff and JA Knight and Sons Contractor Chase Galle met with AKA for the initial discovery of program needs on March 9, 2026.
Left to right Sara Keith, Brittany Novotny, Chase Galle, Jason Pittman (Branch Pattern) Tracy Anderson (AKA); Nick Whitney (AKA); Emilie Steffen-Smith, Martha Cortes-Simons, Adrienne Yoxall (AKA)
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 expanding access to the arts and education in the Region. The museum’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant environment that supports connections through innovative and diverse art-centered opportunities for all.
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.
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
