Wichita, Kansas | July 2007
Art, Sculptures, Georgia Gerber, Dockum Drug Store
Writtn by: Taci Fast

For the visual art scene, take to the streets in downtown Wichita. Did you know Wichita was one of the first cities in America to commission public art under a National Endowment incentive? In 1991, the city began incorporating original works of art into its capital improvement programs. This, along with numerous private donations, has made downtown Wichita a veritable outdoor art gallery. Take the time to stroll down Douglas and really experience the sculpture you drive by every day but may fail to notice. My favorite is the large “Soda Fountain” by Georgia Gerber. It depicts one of the nation’s first sit-ins in 1958 at Dockum Drug Store. It is life-sized and the intricate detailing is uncanny, right down to the napkin holders and menus. It can be found in Chester Lewis Reflection Square Park on East Douglas.

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation has recently produced a public art guide to accompany your walking tour of the riverfront area, downtown and Old Town. So haul out your comfy shoes and spend a little time in the heart of the city. There is a diverse and whimsical collection of artwork just waiting to be discovered. For more information or a copy of the art guide, go to www.downtownwichita.org.