Grassroots Art Center

We visited this place today and actually I thought it deserved four stars, but more about that later. Lucas is a tiny town, but it's become a center of grassroots art (for example, self-taught artists and folk art/etc.). The Grassroots Art Center has a permanent exhibit for which the charge is $6.50 (it's not a real large exhibit, but there's some neat stuff) and it also has some colorful items for sale in the main room. In addition, there's a good-sized room where lectures are given. The woman working there today was very enthusiastic (also a little pushy, but we ended up really benefiting from our visit and therefore I don't begrudge her).We wanted to visit the infamous Florence Deeble House, and someone from the Grassroots Art Center needs to take people there (it's free of charge). It just so happened that a festival was held in Lucas today, and the artist who made all of the items on the walls of the house was in town. The woman at the Grassroots Arts Center had the artist take us and another couple on a tour of the house - and that house is FASCINATING! The artist (Pilar) has - during the past 11 (I think) years - made *thousands* of colorful, unusual and fascinating objects that are hanging all over each wall in the house. It's truly indescribable and she told us many interesting anecdotes. If you're within a few hours of Lucas, I highly recommend a visit (there's little else to see, with the exception of Eric Abraham's Flying Pig Studio and Gallery [see my separate review] - and admittedly Pilar isn't often available to give tours of the Deeble House - but we were enthralled).The reason why I gave five stars is because the Grassroots Art Center enables a visit to the extraordinary Florence Deeble House.HOURS:May-September: 10-5 on Monday-Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday.October-April: 10-4 on Thursday-Saturday & Monday, and 1-4 on Sunday.

What a fun place to explore! It's a good sized museum exhibiting midwestern grassroots artists. If you go outside there is a nice display of local limestone. Be sure to ask about the Diebel house down the street - it's a great companion to the main museum.

We have lived around the country, large and small cities, but this is a treat for those looking for contemporary art. I was impressed to see this, while not a large exhibit, it was a good varied group of artists with different presentations and media. Staff is very knowledgeable and it is really a worthwhile stop.

Lucas, KS is a wonderful place to visit. My grown son and I visited the Grassroots Art Center, the Deeble House, the Garden of Eden, the public restroom, and Brant's Meat Market. Had an amazing time there on our way back to Colorado. The Grassroots Art Center had fascinating art exhibits, and I would definitely go back again...in fact, I plan on visiting again soon.