About the Columbian

Guided by stewardship, community and entertainment

Mission History Staff Members Board Members Swogger Art Gallery Venue Rental Sponsors Photo Gallery

The Columbian Theatre Foundation exists to serve the community and to enrich the lives of both area residents and visitors. The Columbian encourages participation of the arts and culture within the community, while preserving its historical significance. The Foundation uses stewardship, community and entertainment as the cornerstone in all decision making.

The Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center is a storied place, both the heart and soul of 1890s Kansas pioneer optimism and 21st century rural community renewal and development. It is a historical structure of inestimable value and a venue for the exhibition of rare paintings from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Step inside and learn how visionary J.C. Rogers left an unforgettable jewel on the Kansas prairie.

CLINT STUEVE | Executive Director

RHONDA JACQUES | Programming & Volunteer Coordinator

CHRIS GLASGOW | Museum Curator

RHONDA SCHLEY | Photographer

KATLYN STUBBEMAN | Operations Coordinator

ROSE STOKES | Box Office & Events Coordinator

CHRISTINA NOLTE | Secretary

RODNEY HOOVER | President

SHELLEY RICKSTREW | Board Member

TROY HEMPHILL | Board Member

BRYAN SCRUGGS | Board Member

AMANDA PETERSON | Treasurer

BARRY SCHMIDT | Board Member

BOB ANNAN | Board Member

SHELLY COLEMAN | Board Member

Named for devoted Columbian supporters, John and Marion Swogger and their family, the gallery is a place of calm and peacefulness in a world of chaos and turmoil. Marion, longtime board member of The Columbian Theatre Foundation, is a resident of New Hampshire, where she is a valuable part of the extended Hood Museum organization. Her love of the arts and her research on The Columbian's 1893 World's Fair paintings have contributed immeasurably to The Columbian.

The Swogger Gallery hosts a permanent exhibit about the Columbian Exposition as well as guest artist exhibits that rotate throughout the year. The guest artist exhibits are hosted by the Columbian Artists group. To learn more about the Columbian Artists group and to see current exhibit information, please visit the Columbian Artists Group’s website.

Gallery Hours

Monday

TOURS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY BY APPOINTMENT: email rhonda@columbiantheatre.com

Tuesday - Saturday

Sunday

For more information on renting the venue, please contact us:

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Producers

ImageMakers

Co-Producers

Toto's Tacoz H&R Block Wamego Inn & Suites

Crossroads Real Estate & Auction Pizza Hut

Sponsors

Thermal Comfort Air The Trust Company

BHS Construction Smokin G's Catering

Curious about becoming a sponsor? Check out the Sponsorship page to learn about all of the great benefits!

Become a Sponsor

"The stronghold for the arts in the Flint Hills. So much more than a community theatre. It's an art gallery, a beautiful rental space, a small museum, and a youth theatre academy."

Maggie Delena, St. Marys Star