22 August 2005

Governor announces unique commemoration of Kansas’ heritage
Earthwork depicting Kansas quarter believed to be only one of its kind

In a ground-breaking project, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has invited nationally-acclaimed Kansas artist Stan Herd to reproduce the design of the new Kansas quarter in a very unique way – through earthwork.

“Kansans should be proud of this creative talent that moves our state forward. We believe this is the first ever earthwork art to commemorate the release of a state’s quarter. Stan’s earthwork is a distinctive way to introduce the new Kansas quarter and to celebrate our state’s heritage,” Governor Sebelius said.

The artwork, titled KANSAS QUARTER EARTHWORK, is being completed in a field near Hutchinson, just south of 30th Street in the northwest part of the city, and will be finished by Saturday, August 27, 2005.

A poster-sized aerial photograph of the completed earthwork will be available for purchase at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson following the official ceremonies for the kick-off of the quarter.

Sponsors for the Kansas Quarter Earthwork are SBC of Kansas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, The Topeka Community Foundation and the Kansas Museum of History Foundation. Employees of these organizations will be photographed standing on the border of the earthwork.

Governor Sebelius will receive the official Kansas quarter in a ceremony, Friday, September 9, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will also feature native Kansan and PBS announcer Bill Kurtis, as well as music by the Prairie Rose Wranglers, a horse-riding demonstration by Wild Women of the Frontier and a salute to the 150th anniversary of the Kansas National Guard. Other guests include Jonathan Holden, Kansas’ Poet Laureate; Dennis Rogers, Native American dancer and storyteller; and a live North American buffalo.

Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Sponsors of the coin launch ceremonies are Central Bank of Hutchinson, The Kansas Lottery, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and The Kansas Arts Commission.

Kansas is the 34th state to introduce a quarter through the United States Mint program. For further information on the Coin Launch Ceremony please visit www.ksgovernor.org and click on “Kansas State Quarter Debut Information.”

*Members of the Press are invited to attend the photograph session on August 27, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. The Press is asked to arrive between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. The location is 1200 West 30th Street, North Hutchinson and parking is on 30th street, the side which will be marked with flags.