FOR MANY PEOPLE, KEEPING A PET IN THEIR LIFE IS A PRIORITY, EVEN AFTER DEATH.
There are a few Kansas artists who help those who want an everlasting presence of their pet through artwork.
Amanda Whitten is a carnivore keeper at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard but also does woodworking as a side job—specifically with images of animals.
“I normally do animals because of my profession,” she says. “Immortalizing some of these animals that have made a huge impact on my life into wood is why I found a great way to keep them in my life even if they aren’t there physically.”
To see Whitten’s creations, you can visit her Etsy online boutique, etsy.com/shop/WhittyWhittlings.
Whitten is not the only artist who uses her skills to immortalize animals.
Heathyr Shaw, owner and artist at Meadowlark Ink in Lawrence, has seen an increase in the number of requests in animal paintings. She specializes in wedding paper goods as well as products for the home.
“From me doing that, people started asking me to do pet portraits,” she says.
For Shaw, getting to know people’s stories is the reason behind her art. She says it is gratifying to turn her relationship with a customer into something they will enjoy in their home.
“Doing wedding work and custom paintings for people are two of my favorite things to do. I feel like I really get to know a lot about people’s lives, and I get to make my art like a reflection of their relationship or their home or some aspect of their life they are really passionate about,” Shaw says.
To learn more about Shaw’s designs, visit meadowlarkink.com.
“I feel like I really get to know a lot about people’s lives…” - HEATHYR SHAW, PET ARTIST
SHOP ’TILLYOUDROP
K-96 JUNE JAUNT | June 1-3 | Along K-96 in southwest Kansas
The first weekend in June in western Kansas brings the annual K-96 June Jaunt, featuring numerous activities in several towns along K-96. Communities include Tribune, Scott City, Dighton and Great Bend. Visitors can find deals and treasures at town-wide garage sales and flea markets. Families can enjoy a free movie screening of Big Hero 6 and play jumbo yard games. Take advantage of local cuisine as well as beer gardens and live music at this weekend-long event that boasts an “authentic rural America” experience.
JUNK ‘N’ DONUTS SWAP MEETS | Second Saturday of each month | Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grab your friends and head to the Louisburg Cider Mill to spend the day looking through arts, crafts and antiques vendor booths. A country store offers visitors a cold root beer and some of the mill’s famous cider donuts. Last year, this event hosted more than 50 vendors with antiques and new items. For more information, call
(913) 837-5202.
