2 local artists in running for governor's choice award

Senior artists from Kansas will have their works exhibited at the Governor's Art is Ageless Reception in May, which is Older Americans Month. The artists were selected by achieving high ratings at Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America's Art is Ageless juried exhibits in Kansas and Missouri earlier this year.

Artists from the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village competition are Bobbi Kemna and Tony Fornelli, a news release said.

The Governor's Reception is May 19 at the Great Overland Station in Topeka. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will select the two honorees -- one amateur and one professional -- for a Governor's Choice Award, which will be presented by first lady Mary Brownback.

The Art is Ageless Program encourages PMMA residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through the calendar competition, arts classes, musical events, educational opportunities and discussions of current events. Having a creative outlet can benefit the mind, body and spirit, and encouraging seniors to take up the arts to express themselves is one way PMMA fulfills its mission, the release said.