Kansas arts promoter Don Lambert to receive national award

The National Governors Association (NGA) will honor eight individuals, including Kansas native Don Lambert, for contributions to public life during its upcoming 99th Annual Meeting in Traverse City, Michigan on July 21st.

Annually, the NGA presents three awards to state officials, three to private citizens and two for distinguished service to the arts.  This year, the Distinguished Service to the Arts’ Artistic Support Award will go to Lambert, a Kansas writer, curator and advocate of the arts.

“We are recognizing these individuals for the dedication each honoree has demonstrated to improving their states and the nation,” said NGA Chair Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.  “On behalf of the nation’s governors, I would like to express our gratitude for their meaningful contributions to state government.”

“Don’s service to the arts in Kansas is legendary.  He has helped many Kansans appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and has opened the eyes of the world to the work of talented artists from our state,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

The Lambert family is deeply rooted in Kansas, with early ancestors settling in Cloud County over a century ago. Don Lambert has shared his appreciation and pride for the state by bringing recognition to more than 400 Kansas artists in more than 500 locations around the country.

Recently, Lambert organized an exhibit in Manhattan of 127 Kansas Artists to benefit the Kansas Park Trust. Lambert has published four books; written dozens of articles for national magazines; discovered and helped to promote artist Elizabeth ‘Grandma’ Layton, who has become a national symbol of creativity and a beacon of hope for those suffering from depression.

Lambert also led a revival of Kansas-born artist John Steuart Curry, whose mural of John Brown is one of the highlights of the Kansas Statehouse.  As a result of Lambert’s efforts, Curry’s wife, Kathleen, bequeathed 950 of her husband’s works to Kansas. 

One of Lambert’s exhibits, “Homage to the Flint Hills” featured 37 paintings and photographs of the Flint Hills. This exhibit toured Kansas for two years and was featured in the nation’s Capitol.  A copy of the tour’s accompanying book will be given to each of the nation’s governors by Governor Sebelius at the award ceremony.

Lambert is also responsible for arranging continuous exhibits of Kansas master artists in the governor’s office.  He’s a graduate of Cloud County Community College, Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.  

Established in 1976, the NGA Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government allow governors to bring national recognition to their states’ most valuable civil servants and private citizens. The awards emphasize the commitment of state administrators and the important contributions private citizens make to their state. The awards program is administered by a selection committee comprised of three permanent representatives from the academic community, as well as designees chosen by the NGA chair and vice chair.

The NGA Awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts, established in 1980, are given in two areas: artistic production and arts support. This award recognizes outstanding service to the arts, focusing on contributions that improve the quality of life and bring distinction to a state.

Editors' note: A photo from this event will be made available to the press Saturday evening. If you would like a copy to use in your publication/program, please email Seth Bundy at seth.bundy@ks.gov

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