Kansas Will Host Statewide Statehouse Tree Project
The Kansas Arts Commission is seeking artists from all 105 counties to contribute ornaments for a 30-foot tree.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Kansas Arts Commission will decorate the 30-foot Statehouse Christmas tree with 315 new ornaments contributed by local artists. Residents of all ages from every Kansas county are encouraged to participate by the October 9, 2026, deadline.
Why it matters
Governor Laura Kelly initiated the project to ensure representation from every Kansas county during her final Christmas in office. The collection is designed to create a lasting display that will be preserved for reuse in future holiday seasons.
The project involves three artists selected from each of the 105 Kansas counties, resulting in 315 new ornaments for the 30-foot tree. The submission deadline is October 9, 2026.
The players
Kansas Arts Commission
This state agency oversees the ornament collection process and ensures broad participation across all Kansas counties.
Laura Kelly
She is the current Governor of the United States state of Kansas who initiated this statewide holiday project.
The details
The Kansas Arts Commission is managing the collection of custom-made ornaments that represent the unique character of each county. Once submitted and displayed, these pieces will be stored and reused to decorate the Statehouse in subsequent years.
Timeline
October 9, 2026 is the deadline for all artwork submissions.
Political Context
The initiative faces scrutiny from some local legislators who prioritize traditional funding allocations over state-sponsored public art programs. These critics often argue that such projects should be managed by private organizations rather than state agencies.
Residents of all ages have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the Statehouse by participating in this county-wide effort. The project requires no entry fee, though artists must ensure their submissions meet the specific county representation criteria set by the commission.
The takeaway
This project offers a unique way for local citizens to contribute to state history while helping curate a permanent collection for the holidays. Aspiring participants should begin their county-specific designs early to meet the October deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about local government participation in the Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSNT 27.
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Should state government prioritize local community participation in public holiday displays?
