| Soaring Heart Gallery is the home and studio of
J. R. Dickerman, who has lined the highways of Lincoln County with an Open
Range Zoo made up of his "Creature Creations."
When I drove out the rural trailer that serves as Jim's
home and studio, the yard was filled with odd creations and creatures.
When I got out of the car, one of the creatures welcomed me. Then Jim took
off the mask and introduced
himself. Jim introduced me to his two small, friendly
dogs, then showed me around the studio which takes up one end of a mobile
home.
The studio was filled with more creatures, masks &
costumes. Many of these smaller creations are made from bone, animal skulls,
and feathers. Crazy, wonderful stuff that deserves a wider audience. Most
of creations have names, and Jim is glad to explain from what items they
are made.
Out in the yard are the larger creatures, many of them
made from old farm equipment, although any object may find its way into
one of Jim Dickerman's creations.
To reach the Soaring Heart Gallery, take Kansas
Highway 18 to the Ottawa/Lincoln County Line. Take the gravel county line
road north one mile, turn left (west) 1/2 mile, then turn right (north)
another 3/4 mile.
The Gallery is in the trees sitting back to the left.
There is no sign right at the road, but the friendly creature, in the photo
to the right, will be standing by the road. Jim is usually there, call
if you are in the area. |
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