A retrospective exhibition of artwork by John Whitfield opened at the Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center on Friday, August 1. The exhibit will continue through Sunday, August 31. A public reception for the exhibit is scheduled for Sunday, August 31, from 2:00-4:00pm.
Born in 1927 in Sialkot, India - now West Pakistan – John was the son of technical missionaries who managed a mission training school for Indian youth. He credited his early exposure to craftsmanship and creativity to the hours he spent watching students at his father’s school. Shortly before World War II, the family returned to the U.S., first settling in Lindsborg before moving to Topeka, where John graduated from Topeka High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washburn University in 1964 and later opened his own studio and taught art as an adjunct professor at Washburn.
During the 1960s, Whitfield visited Lindsborg several times to meet with Lester Raymer and other area artists. Later in life, he moved to Lindsborg, where he continued creating his art. In 1985, John and his wife Evelyn moved to Lindsborg, where they renovated a home on north Washington Street, adding a studio and meditation chapel that featured carved doors, sculptural elements and incorporated treasured pieces.
From his studio, John created an impressive body of work in a variety of media, including metal, stone, concrete, glass and wood. His artistic output ranged from fine art jewelry and wind vanes to paintings, drawings, and stained glass. His commissioned pieces spanned from a life-sized steel figure of Christ in a Connecticut chapel to large semi-abstract sculptures in Houston. Many of his larger works were bronze over steel or copper, while his smaller sculptures, liturgical items, and jewelry can be found in both public and private collections. 
Today, his work continues to enrich the Lindsborg landscape. Local highlights include the Välkommen Trail sculpture, the sculpture at the Lindsborg Community Hospital, the St. Lucia sculpture at Swenson Park, and many wind vanes around town, including the one at First Bank Kansas.
John often spoke of his joy in communicating through art and satisfaction he found in solving design challenges. Above all, he cherished the time spent with friends, students, and visitors in his studio and workshop.
Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center is open 1:00-5:00pm, Friday through Sunday. The exhibition is free with donations appreciated.