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Baker Arts Center

The Baker Arts Center is considered to be the "Cultural Oasis on the Prairie." It is the former home of Irene Dillon and Francis Marion Baker and their personal lifetime dream. Founded in 1979, the couple left their home and a portion of the surrounding block to The Baker Arts Foundation to become the Baker Arts Center at the time of their deaths. An artist herself, Mrs. Baker spent many hours behind a canvas or a camera. Although Mr. Baker died in 1968, Mrs. Baker continued on to carry out their dream. She had over 100 pieces in a private collection at the time of her death, in 1984. Today, the center offers a visual art exhibit that features national traveling exhibits, local one-artist shows, an annual juried art show, works from area high schools, and pieces from its own collection. Included in these exhibits have been pieces ranging from oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, to sculptures, photography, quilt displays, handmade jewelry, woodworking, glassworks, and collages. In addition to this, a Discovery Center for children, educational studio for art classes and workshops, and an extensive art library are available.