Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum Art Museum Mondays may expand due to overwhelming popularity

According to the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, in the spring of 1900, Pharmacist Theodore James Gatchell opened the first drugstore in Johnson County. The Buffalo Pharmacy became a popular stopping place for cowboys, lawmen, settlers, cattle barons, and famous Army scouts. Gatchell became a trusted friend to the region’s Native Americans, local residents, and those that passed through town. Gatchell made many friends and those friends brought the pharmacist many gifts. From guns to medicine bags, bow and arrows to clothing, those gifts now help tell Gatchell’s and Johnson County’s story inside the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.

But with a little help from the staff and donors, the museum also brings art to the community, specifically the children. Museum Assistant Kelsey McDonnell is an accomplished artist. Together with Museum Educator Jennifer Romanoski and Museum Director Sylvia Bruner, the program Art Museum Mondays was born. 

This incredibly successful program brings children ages 7 -12 years old to learn techniques and art skills that will feed their creative outlet. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Bruner said the Art Museum Mondays currently has a waiting list of children. But thanks to the interest from the public and generous sponsors they are considering expanding the program to include more sophisticated art techniques and older kids.

Bruner said to watch for more information as it becomes available as space fills quickly. Bruner told listeners the tentative ages of participation in the expansion of the program is currently 13 -15 years and could happen as soon as next year. For more information from the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, click here.