Garden City Community College recently received a $10,000 donation from the Perle and Catherine Frazee Foundation for the college’s Fine Arts program.
The donation will fund the purchase of two state-of-the-art Cone Art Kilns to replace the current kilns that have been in service for over 30 years.
The Fine Arts program donation is the latest gift to GCCC from the Frazee Foundation, which is
administered by Commerce Trust, a division of Commerce Bank. In 2023, the Frazee Foundation and Commerce Bank jointly sponsored the purchase of equipment for the college’s Medical Assistant Program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Perle and Catherine Frazee Foundation for their generous
donation, which will significantly enhance our Fine Arts program,” said GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda. “The Frazee Foundation and Commerce have been great supporters GCCC, and we appreciate their ongoing support. These new kilns will have a positive impact on our students’ artistic and educational journeys.”
Commerce Bank Garden City President John Koons praised the collaboration with Dr. Ruda and the Fine Arts program faculty to enhance the student experience through providing modernized resources.
“We believe Perle and Catherine would be proud of the support being provided to advance the
Arts at Garden City Community College,” Koons said.
Cone Art Kilns are renowned for their exceptional insulation and energy efficiency. Their design ensures minimal heat loss, reducing environmental stress in the kiln room and lowering energy consumption per firing. These kilns also support advanced firing techniques, including crystalline glazes and higher-efficiency electric firings, greatly enhancing the learning and creative opportunities for GCCC students. With an expected service life of over 25 years, this investment promises long-term benefits for the Fine Arts program.
GCCC’s Fine Arts program offers over 16 specialized courses in fine art, catering to a diverse range of students. This includes Art Majors seeking foundational studio courses for university transfer, students needing art courses for majors like pre-architecture, graphic design, or pre- engineering, and individuals interested in exploring art for personal enjoyment.
The courses in the Art Department are designed to meet the needs of all students, fostering their development into positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
To learn more about the Fine Arts program, visit the GCCC website or contact 620-276-7611.
