Newest of the Keepers on Parade sparkles in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Another replica of the beloved Keeper of the Plains statue is on display in Wichita. Cargill and Envision unveiled the colorful new version of the sculpture earlier this week.

The newest of the Keepers on Parade is called PRISM. It is a collaboration between more than 30 sighted, blind, and visually impaired artists. They decorated the statute with a rainbow of cut glass shapes arranged to depict the elements of earth and the Kansas landscape.

Cargill and Envision say the newest Keeper celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and the agricultural roots of Kansas. It’s outside Cargill’s North American Protein Business Headquarters, 825 E. Douglas.

“What this partnership with Cargill has done for Envision is just brought a lot of awareness and attention to our overall mission to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for individuals that are visually impaired,” Sarah Kephart, Envsion Arts Program, said.

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“I think that is a testament that more than 30 individuals from across the community hand-touched the making of this beautiful sculpture, and that will stand the test of time,” Paige Huitt, Cargill, said.

More than 60 of the Keepers on Parade are around the community, each decorated by different artists. They are 10-foot versions of the 44-foot tall Keeper of the Plains that stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. Artist Blackbear Bosin created the original sculpture.

Click here for a list showing most of the addresses.

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