Well . . . pretty locally. Although we drove just over an hour both days, time in the car was rewarded with some really nice art viewing this weekend.

Yesterday we headed north and east to The Gallery at Pioneer Bluffs in Matfield Green and discovered prints by Curtis R. Jones. Jones juxtaposes quite serious themes of politics and religion with highly decorative and whimsical materials in lovely colors and intricate patterns. The result is both thought-provoking and fun to look at. (Note: If you get the notion to visit, be aware that this gallery is in a beautiful old farmhouse. A charming setting — but un-air-conditioned. Pioneer Bluffs.org/gallery)

Today I attended an opening at the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg (north and a bit west of Wichita — Sandzen.org) for a diverse and talented trio of artists — all of whom have roots in Kansas.

My girlfriend was schoolmates with block print artist, Deb Gilley, prompting the special trip. Gilley’s prints are detailed and full of warmth and charm. Although she had many fine examples of the reduction process, my favorites were one color and featured intricate interplay of textured surfaces.

Painter Kim Casebeer’s gorgeous landscapes looked right at home alongside the museum’s collection of Sandzen masterpieces. Casebeer’s paintings display a relatively soft palette and loose, confident brush strokes. She captures the light and subtly of typically Western and Midwestern landscapes to gorgeous effect.

Carol Long’s art-nouveau inspired ceramics rounded out the show of local talent. The display includes both vessels (voluptuously shaped) and tile pieces hung in frames. All featured stylishly rendered botanical motifs. The technique of applying a ceramic outline to the surface of the pot and filling with flat, boldly colored glazes produces an effect reminiscent of cloisonné.

Hurray for friends, last-minute roads trips and great local/regional artists — and the venues that display their work. It was a good weekend!