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🎙️ So THIS Happened — Episode 20: The Art of Belonging

Recorded at: Harvester Arts, Wichita, KS
Guest: Kristin Beal — Executive Director & Co-Founder, Harvester Arts

Episode Overview

For their milestone 20th episode, Jen and Rachel return to one of Wichita’s most creative spaces — Harvester Arts — for a conversation about belonging, connection, and community through art. Joined by Executive Director Kristin Beal, they explore how art can spark togetherness, why Wichita’s creative energy feels so special, and what happens when you just do the thing anyway.

From the story of how Kristin turned a spontaneous Art Pride Parade into a decade-long movement, to how Harvester Arts continues to foster creative collaboration, this episode is an inspiring reminder that art thrives where people feel they belong.

Key Themes

• The Art of Belonging: how creativity becomes a catalyst for community.
• Building brave spaces: why Wichita’s art scene is uniquely collaborative and welcoming.
• Courage in creation: “Why not? Do it anyway.”
• From isolation to inspiration: how artists feed off one another’s energy and ideas.
• Finding your people: whether it’s in a gallery, a parade, or a sketch club — community fuels courage.

Notable Moments

• Kristin shares how a whimsical art parade in 2010 became the seed for Harvester Arts — and why sometimes “you can do a lot while nobody’s watching.”
• The origin story of Harvester’s Riverfest Artist-in-Residence Program, complete with giant puppets, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and a front-page Wichita Eagle moment.
• How the organization evolved through COVID, mentorship, and collaboration with artists like Mina Estrada and Armando Minjarez, turning a passion project into a sustainable creative model.
• Rachel and Jen reflect on art teachers, inspiration, and those early experiences that made them feel seen.
• The trio plays a “Where Do You Belong?” game, comparing block parties vs. coffee shop chats, quiet studio days vs. gallery energy — and laughing through every answer.
• A heartfelt close reminding listeners that belonging isn’t something you find — it’s something you create.

Notable Shoutouts

• Harvester Arts — for creating space where artists and ideas connect.
• Kate Van Steenhuyse, Mina Estrada, and Armando Minjarez — champions of Wichita’s creative ecosystem.
• Vanessa German — whose work at the Wichita Art Museum continues to inspire.
• Local creatives and partners — from Riverfest artists to the ICT Vinyl Club and The Depot.
• The Wichita community — for showing up, cheering loud, and making every event feel like home.

Upcoming Events Mentioned

🎨 Harvester Arts: Salon Spectacular
🗓️ First Friday, December 5
Featuring 50+ artists, silent & live auctions, and a raffle — all celebrating Wichita’s creative community.

🍲 ICT Soup
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
A community meal supporting local artist projects — guests enjoy unlimited soup and vote to fund their favorite creative idea.

Learn more or get involved: harvesterarts.org

Closing Toast

“Here’s to art that connects, spaces that welcome, and the joy of finding your people.”

 Cheers to belonging — and to 20 beautiful episodes of So THIS Happened.

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