By DAWNE LEIKER
Special to Hays Post
ST. FRANCIS — The idea started in a coffee shop, but unlike many ideas fueled by caffeine and friendly banter, this idea began to take shape. In short, the idea recognized that the arts are integral to a thriving community. Fifteen years have passed since the original idea began percolating. Since then, the coffee group has launched the Cheyenne Center for Creativity (CC4C), local arts programs, and a historic building renovation, all with the desire to nourish the creative roots of the St. Francis community.
The first step took place in 2013 when CC4C opened an art gallery in the Danielson building, a building of historical and architectural significance to downtown St. Francis. Over the years, the Danielson building, an L-shaped property that wraps around the corner of Washington and Quincy Streets, has been home to implements, hardware, groceries, toys, and housewares. Built in 1920 and considered by its original owner, Deroy Danielson, “the finest store in western Kansas,” CC4C saw great potential in the 5,500-square-foot property.
A 25-by-35-foot space in the L-section of the Danielson building was the first section of the building rented and renovated by CC4C. Over the years, that section of the building has been home to many creative ventures, including art displays, drama camps, book signings, poetry readings, and music events.
“Putting a spotlight on the arts is a worthy endeavor that uplifts the entire community,” said Kary Zweygardt, gallery director. “The arts have the power to do that.”
The gallery served as an artistic hub for the community, but Zweygardt, also president of Cheyenne Community Development Corp., said that during strategic planning meetings for the development group, residents of the community consistently identified a need for a community center. As discussions developed, ideas, such as an expanded art gallery, a wedding venue, and a commercial kitchen for cooking classes, began to flow.
When the Danielson building was put up for sale years later, members of CC4C made the decision to purchase it.
“The building was considered a revenue stream that supported the gallery and our creative endeavors,” Zweygardt said. “A community center became a viable option because it addressed a community need and could provide some money coming in. We hoped to come to the point where we had budgetable income.”
One of the first purchases needed for the building was a new roof. CC4C saw community buy-in when local donors contributed $88,000 toward that purchase. A $100,000 Dane G. Hansen grant to finalize the purchase of the building and property, which required $250,000 of matching funds, helped to get the project up and running. Other contributions have been received from Midwest Energy, the Department of Commerce, the Patterson Family Foundation, the Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation, and donations.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this at all without the community support,” Zweygardt said. “Because you’re just not going to sell enough art to get cash flow. That is why we look at even a trickle. It all becomes a revenue stream. And if you get enough trickles, you can eventually build a pond.”
According to Zweygardt, the project, which was given the name 202 on Washington, has been segmented into three phases: an expanded art gallery to support local artists of all sorts, from visual to literary to music, a community center, which itself is divided into three parts, a courtyard, Quincy Room for smaller events, and a large event center, and a catering kitchen, which could someday serve as an incubator for local businesses.
The Hardt Gallery, an expanded art gallery, opened in June 2022, marking the completion of phase one of the 202 on Washington project. The Quincy Room event center was completed in March of 2023. Work continues in earnest on the larger event center, which will be adjacent to the Quincy Room with a separating wall. The wall will be moveable to increase the space that can be used for larger gatherings.
Natalie Knodel has served on the building team since 2016. She has a knack for design, so brainstorming ideas for the Danielson Building and seeing them come to fruition has been an ideal fit for her interests.
“To be able to create something worthwhile and a benefit to the community has been the best experience for me,” Knodel said, adding that she has been “energized” by working with CC4C on the project. “I’m just amazed how many people are creative in so many different ways. It has really been a catalyst to bring that out.”
CC4C President Janet Carman pointed out that each team member has a different perspective and that the blend of personalities creates a unique synergy.
“Everybody knows what their job is and what they are bringing to the table,” Carman said. “It’s just incredible. I’ve never been involved in anything like this before.”
CC4C, a “roll-up your sleeves” type of board, has found a unity of purpose as they have moved through the planning, design, and execution of their project. But it is local contractor Ron Wilson that Knodel and Carman credit for the beauty and functionality of the 202 project.
“He is so exceptional at what he does. Whatever you can dream up, he goes for it. He is creative but smart about how things have to be done and done properly,” Knodel said.
Combining the old with the new has been an overarching goal of the Hardt Gallery. Carman said the comments of gallery visitors have helped assure her that the goal of maintaining the integrity of the building is being met.
Since its opening in June, more than 600 people have toured the Hardt Gallery, some calling it an “oasis on the plains.” Zweygardt pointed out that many visitors have mentioned feeling a palpable “art vibe” not just in the gallery but in the entire St. Francis community. He said he has been “blown away” by residents and returning natives who have contributed significantly to creativity, not just in the gallery but throughout the town of 1,200 people.
“I think it’s important to realize that western Kansas stretches past the border of Salina or Hays,” Zweygardt said. “There is a value and a worth that people dismiss because of the smallness of a community. They dismiss it early, so they never stop. We are giving them a reason to stop and make St. Francis a destination, not just a pass-through.”
“You have to have some trust. You have to risk. People will come.”
Currently, the gallery is displaying “Quiet Reflections: The Art of Kary Zweygardt” until the end of April. Its next display will be Rebel Mahieu, Colby Community College art director.
The Hardt Gallery is open Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and by appointment. More information is available at https://202onwashington.com/