Reflection on our (brief) past and thinking about the future
Since we opened in June 2015
, we’ve seen that people will indeed come to this little town in the Flint Hills to find The Volland Store. Upon first entering, there is universal surprise, then delight, amazement, a whole range of emotions. They love it. They connect. They like being in the space, and they stay awhile. It’s warm, it’s comforting, it’s a good environment, and they come back. A community is developing of people who are curious, interested, smart, and kind. Perhaps you are one of those people.
Regarding the long-term future of the Volland Store, the potential of the little town of Volland is easy to see.
The setting is appealing:
All the houses are historic and mostly original; the town sits in the middle of a working landscape on a little lane in the Flint Hills; trains roll by. And there’s room for lots of things to happen here:
there is a meadow for glamping and big field events; a nearby draw full of trees with a trail for hiking; there are little buildings that could be writing studios and houses that could host artists-in-residence; a blacksmith shop for casual events, and another “shop” that could be rejuvenated for similar use. If a building that sat empty and in ruins could be transformed into an award-winning architectural space in a short amount of time, surely other remarkable things can happen in this place.
Now that we have had some time to experiment with what works here, the simple promise not to tear down the building is blossoming into a clearer vision of what it can be:
A Chautauqua in the Flint Hills
, where art, music, literature, discourse, and exchange of ideas flourish.
A community for artists
: residencies, workshops, installations and exhibitions.
A conference retreat center for university, corporate, and nonprofit groups
in a setting that lends itself to reflection, creativity, inspiration, and problem-solving.
A place where people meet and share common interests.
A warm and inviting place in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
A year-round gathering place, outside and inside, hospitable and friendly, offering stimulating conversation and presentations with like-minded people – and always a party.
How do we
make this happen?
All ventures require financial resources in order to grow and sustain themselves, and the Store is no exception. The Volland Store Fund supports free community programming and is administered by the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. Your donation to The Fund is tax-deductible. It is an investment that will help make possible all the good things mentioned above. Your contribution will enrich the lives of everyone who comes here.
Our intuition is that The Store is poised for great growth, and we invite you to be our partner in making The Volland Store become all it can be. Here’s how:
Become a member. Volunteer. Share your ideas with us.
Select your level of membership and make your check to: KRCF (Kansas Rural Communities Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization).
In the memo line write: The Volland Store Fund.
Print and fill out the form below and include it with your check.
Mail to: The Volland Store, PO Box 144, Alma, KS 66401
For Benefits of Membership, please click here Member ($50) _______ Supporting Member ($100)_________ Friend of Otto ($250) ______________ Good Friend of Otto ($500) _________ Best Friend of Otto ($1000) _________ For Business Sponsorships, please inquire with Abby 785-499-3110
I am thinking of volunteering, but I’d like to know more. Please call me at______________ I have an idea for The Volland Store. Please call me at ________________
Together we can do this… and we are deeply grateful for your support.
