For six years, Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City, Mo., has supported the Flint Hills area of Kansas and its unique place in our greater regional ecosystem through an annual art benefit. Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale is a juried exhibit featuring art of the Flint Hills. Sweeping paintings of sky and native prairie grass dominate the show, but sculpture pieces, fiber works, fused glass and photos also are featured. The art is on exhibit each October and November, in Buttonwood Art Space. Proceeds from the event always benefit a non-profit organization, which changes through the years. The 2014 exhibit will benefit Friends of Konza Prairie, which supports the Konza Prairie, an 8.600 acre research and educational preserve south of Manhattan.

Because of the ties several Meadowlark Hills residents and Passport members currently have or previously have had with Friends of the Konza Prairie, Meadowlark Hills opted to be a sponsor for an artist reception and opening gala planned for Friday, Oct. 3, at Buttonwood Art Space. All sponsors, and consequently, Meadowlark Hills residents, staff and Passport members, are invited to a special VIP opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. that day. In addition to having a first look at the Visions of the Flint Hills exhibit, attendees also will enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres and libations, hear live music and meet the artists.

A Meadowlark Hills bus has been reserved to transport residents and Passport members to the event; departure from the Village entrance is set for 1:30 p.m. Please register by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Blue Book. Open seats will be offered to Friends of Konza Prairie members. There is no cost for this event; the reception and transportation are complementary. If you have questions, please see Darcy Reinbold-Olson, and additional information can be found on the Buttonwood Art Space website, (www.buttonwoodartspace.com).