The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announced Monday morning it is joining the county mural movement and the Barton Arts Movement, a grass-roots committee operating under the Golden Belt Community Foundation. 

“The concept is to adorn the Sunflower Center (our office) with a sunflower-inspired mural by artist Brady Scott,” said chamber President Megan Barfield. BAM received a $3,000 leadership gift for this project from the estate of Reta Brack, a long-time chamber supporter, community volunteer, and lover of sunflowers. 

The size and scale of this project will be determined by the number of dollars raised, Barfield said. “BAM is hoping to secure an additional $7,000-$10,000 to make a big, beautiful impact on this corner of downtown Great Bend.” 

BAM exists to create community pride through public art and has facilitated nearly 10 projects in Barton County since 2021. “BAM has been working on a beautiful project for the north side of our building, and we’re excited to share the next steps with our chamber members today,” Barfield said. 

Every gift helps, she said. “Let’s make it happen.” 

She offered these details:

• Donors at the $1,000-plus level will be invited to attend a special “Toast” event at the completion of the mural with the artists and local media, in addition to recognition in chamber publications.

• $500 supporters will receive recognition in chamber publications.

• “All other donation amounts will receive the satisfaction of knowing they helped further BAM’s mission to ‘create community pride through public art,’”  Barfield said.

Visit BAM’s website bartonartsmovement.com to learn more about program donor levels and all the perks they entail.

Give online using the Golden Belt Community Foundation’s online donation platform (goldenbeltcf.org/donate/). Mail a Check to GBCF, P.O. Box 1911, Great Bend, KS 67530. With either format, include the memo: BAM Chamber. 

For more information, contact the GBCF office at 620-792-3000 or the chamber office at 620-792-2401.