A look back at the illustrators who defined KANSAS!

For eight decades, the pages of KANSAS! have painted a vivid portrait of our state, not only with words and photographs but also through brush and pen strokes. From the humorous industry-centric cartoons of our beginning to the contemporary art of today, the past and present magazine artists capture Kansas’ heart and soul in every line and hue.
 

1945–1946: Fredericka Richard

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Fredericka Richard was the first illustrator to contribute to the magazine. The Seattle native earned an art degree from the California College of Arts and Crafts (now the California College of the Arts). She moved to Kansas to work at the Menninger Foundation, where she joined the art and recreational therapy department. Recognizing her talent, the Kansas Industrial Development Commission (KIDC) commissioned Richard to create cartoons for their new publication, To the Stars.


1946–1949: Vic Zimmerman

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Born in Marion, Vic Zimmerman began his artistic career at age 16 when the Wichita Beacon and Topeka Daily Capital published his political cartoons. After attending college, Zimmerman spent time in New York as a commercial artist. When he returned to Kansas, he joined KIDC as the To the Stars cartoonist. Zimmerman later lived in Texas and California, where he built a successful career as a commercial illustrator and freelance cartoonist.


1964–1992: Galen Senogles

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Topeka native Galen Senogles joined the magazine in 1964—his name first appeared on the masthead for “art and design” in the winter issue. For almost three decades, he led the magazine’s visual transformation, adding expressive typography and illustrations that vibrantly captured the stories’ tone and spirit.

A renowned artist, Senogles owned a graphic arts studio and gallery. He worked across several mediums but favored watercolor because, as he once shared with writer Peggy Greene, “watercolor suits my personality.” Over his tenure, he created countless original illustrations, leaving an indelible legacy.


1992–Present:

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After Senogles’ retirement in 1992, KANSAS! continued to evolve, building on the foundation he laid. The magazine, embracing the use of artwork now more than ever, regularly commissions original pieces from artists across the state. Illustrators such as Ric Dunwoody, Lana Grove, Abra Shirley, Angie Pickman and Torren Thomas have added vibrant visuals to its pages.

As we celebrate 80 years of KANSAS!, we honor the artists whose brushstrokes and ink lines have shaped its visual journey. Their work ensures our state’s stories are seen, felt and remembered.