Hutchinson Art Center names arts council director as Art Fair judge

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center has named Chandler Reich, executive director of the Hays Arts Council, as this year's Art Fair judge, bringing a background in rural arts advocacy and cultural programming to the role.

Reich holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in art and education from Fort Hays State University, where she received multiple honors, including recognition from the Annual Student Honors Exhibition and the Russell Original Art Review. While at FHSU, she contributed to the Collaborative Art Project, a partnership with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas aimed at making art accessible as a tool for connection and empowerment.

Before joining the Hays Arts Council, Reich served as director of the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, Kan. She also gained early experience in public engagement and cultural programming working at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History during her undergraduate studies.

Reich remains active in her communities through several volunteer roles. She serves on the board of the Russell County Historical Society, as vice president of the Switchgrass Art Cooperative in Lucas and as vice president of P.E.O. Chapter HD of Russell, a philanthropic organization focused on advancing women's education.

Born in Shawnee Mission, Kan., in 1998 and raised in Russell by her single mother, Reich has credited her rural upbringing as foundational to her leadership philosophy. Her personal artwork draws on memories rooted in nature and the human experience.

Reich is passionate about building sustainable arts infrastructure in rural communities and believes in the transformative power of creativity.

The Hutchinson Art Center is located at 405 N. Washington St. in Hutchinson, Kan. For more information, visit hutchinsonartcenter.net or call (620) 663-1081.