Art and Community are essential elements of
The Volland Foundation.
The Volland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, owns and operates The Volland Store and various other sites in the historic town of Volland, Kansas. The foundation seeks to create a place for gathering and exchanging ideas, to present events that nourish the human spirit and provide enjoyment, and to enhance economic development in surrounding communities . The Volland Foundation offers a residency program that provides time and space for artists, scientists, writers, poets, musicians, designers, and historians to experience the tallgrass prairie and engage in the culture of our rural community.
From a Store to a Foundation.
Otto Kratzer was an original Storekeeper of Kratzer Bros. Mercantile from 1913 to 1971. Through his infectious personality and delight in introducing new ideas to his neighbors, he made the Store the cultural and social center of the surrounding community. The Store closed upon his death and sat vacant for more than forty years.
After a major renovation, the Volland Store reopened in 2015 and became an inviting and comfortable place to gather, experience new ideas, greet old friends and make new ones. Art exhibitions, music concerts, poetry readings, book signings, and talks by scientists and authors brought a lively and entertaining scene to the little town of Volland.
In 2021 The Volland Store was donated by its owners to The Volland Foundation. The Volland Store continues to serve as the anchor of the foundation’s activities in Volland. In 2022 The “Ruin” of Otto Kratzer’s house (on the lawn of the Store) was refurbished into an outdoor performance venue for music and theatre. In 2023 an official Residency Program was initiated. A “trail” through the Volland grounds, open every day of the year from dawn to dusk, offers a walk through the history of Volland, the nearby woods, and the discovery of sculptures along the way.
Otto Kratzer
JOIN OUR VOLLAND SUPPORTERS
At the Volland Foundation, we believe that supporting the arts, humanities, and science is more important than ever. Friends of Volland invest in a Place for Art and Community by supporting the cultural and educational programming of the Volland Foundation.
If you would like to be part of what’s happening at Volland – and one of our ever-growing community of people who enjoy art, music, and lively entertainment that lift your spirits and nourish your soul, please consider making a 2025 gift, or renewing your “Friend”ship! – to keep things happening in the best way at Volland!
Make checks payable to Volland Foundation and mail to:
The Volland Foundation
PO Box 144
Alma, KS 66401
Please indicate Donation on the memo line of your check.
-or-
Donations to The Volland Foundation are tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor to determine the best way to report your contribution.
THANK YOU!
Sponsored in part by the State of Kansas, through the
Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts
&
The Alma Area Foundation
2026 Friends of Volland
*FishWizWeekend Sponsors
Thank you for helping to ensure that the foundation’s mission
endures into the future
($2000+)
Virginia Fisher Brigid & Jamie Hall
Patty & Jerry Reece The Stueck Family Foundation
($1000+)
Alma Area Foundation Anonymous Lynn Ewanow & Lorn Clement Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr.
Tom & Dee Jones
Kevin & Kristi Martinez *Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie
Cara & Henry Newell Sara & David O’Connell Michael Riley Susanne Siepl-Coates & Gary Coates
Betsey & Rick Solberg *Greg and Dina Wingfield
($500-$999)
Brian Ball & Joy Swallow Brad Bradley Patrick & Harriet Brazil
Peter & Lynne Brown Pam & Gary Gradinger Morgan & Tyler Holloman
Bill & Peggy Lyons Ryan & Sarah McQueary. Mike & Dee Michaelis
Paul Post & Kay Kelly Ryan & Heather Powell
Gregory Kennedy & Marguerite Quirey Kathy & Dan Swenson
($250- $499)
David & Cathi Brain Cindy Carnahan Anthony & Carole Bee Chelz
Nicholas Clark (In memory of Kieth Schultz and Julie Schultz)
David Dettmer Sarah Frederick Amanda & Alex Gnadt
Laurie Hamilton Allison & Mike McLain Jim & Barbara Meinhardt
Heidi and Nelson Nast/KC Studio Magazine Chip & Anita Osborn
John Pollack & Lynne Farrington (In memory of Mary Helm Pollack)
Barbara & Larry Schulte, Jr. Kathleen Seacat Don & Edie Snethen
Jennifer Wampler Frank & Helen Wewers
($100 – $249)
Joann & Michael Chaffee Tony Crawford
Flint Hills Books Barbara Gatewood
John & Ellen Goheen
Patty & Harvey Grossman Jerry Haahr
Gwendolyn Hendricks
Bruce & Lucinda Hogle Peggy Hughes
Pat & Ned Kehde Rick & Lydia Marien Julia Jilek
Karl & Amy Langvardt Suzie Aron & Joe Levin Byron & Martha Long
Ed & Linda McConwell Jill Marietta Mignacca Wendy Powell
Martin & Susan Rose Jay Schlegel
Mary Louise & Eric Stahl Penelope Senften Kelly Taylor & Joe Tomelleri Keen & Eileen Umbehr
Lawrence & Janiece Vohland Jerry & Elizabeth Wigglesworth
Ann Wylie Lynn Wylie Randy Zelenka
($50-$99)
Tim & Pat Ault-Duell Robert Cantin Cary Esser & Mo Dickens
Susan & William Ford Daniel & Donna Frese Jennifer Gehrt
Cela Hennessy Carolyn & Jim Hodgson Lawyers Title of Kansas
Dr. Verne Claussen Jr./Mill Creek Lodge at Volland Point
Richard & Marsha Miller Alicia Stott Brenda Willard
($5-$49)
LaDeen & Rodney Allen Robert Meseke, Sr.
In-Kind Donors
Stockgrowers State Bank Wabaunsee County Historical Society Museum
Every contribution is important to us. Thank you!
As a Friend of Volland, you receive recognition on the website and in The Volland Foundation’s gallery. Your donation helps provide experiences that nourish the human spirit and provide enjoyment, provide a place for gathering and building community, support artist residencies, and enhance economic development in surrounding rural communities. Your support ensures that the Volland Foundation will enrich community from near and far, into the future.
Volunteer at Volland
The Volland Foundation welcomes volunteers! Your talent and good cheer are an important contribution in making the Volland Store a fun place to be, and we truly appreciate your enthusiasm.
If you would like to join our family of volunteers, please visit Volunteer Sign Up.
We appreciate our Volunteers!
Make checks payable to Volland Foundation and mail to:
The Volland Foundation
PO Box 144
Alma, KS 66401
Please indicate Donation on the memo line of your check.
-or-
The Volland Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Consult your tax advisor to determine the best way to report your contribution.
photo by Lily Brooks
Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
