One day a couple weeks ago I found Tyler Fleshman mowing on his Dad’s farm east of Unionville.  When he’s not in school, he helps on the farm.  I went there on that hot August day, because I’d heard an artwork he’d done was being displayed in Roeland Park, Kansas.  He hadn’t changed much from his high school days.  He was that same respectful, mature and diligent young man.   

A former Midget football player and graduate in the Class of 2002, Tyler is currently a student at the Kansas City Art Institute.  Previously, he was a part-time student at Maplewood Community College in Kansas City.

While a high school student at Putnam County his first art teacher, Gwyn McKinley, recognized his art potential and encouraged him to develop an interest in artwork.  Later, Mary Long continued to inspire him to pursue a career in art.

“I appreciate all artwork,” he said, “but I especially enjoy reading about contemporary art from the 1950s.  As far as working with art, I prefer the three-dimensional sculptures.  A college class project I had to do was making a self-portrait out of wire.  That was a challenge.”

The outdoor artwork of eight KC Art Institute students will be displayed for six months along Roe Boulevard in Roeland Park, Kansas.  Each artist will receive a $1,500 stipend.  “My piece is a large abstract Styrofoam sculpture,” Tyler explained.  “The title of the work is ‘Torso’.”

Tyler’s head professor suggested he submit an application to have his work displayed in Roeland Park.  A committee appointed by the city council made the final eight selections.

The son of Greg and Suzie Fleshman, Tyler’s grandparents are William and Lois Fleshman of Unionville and Warren and Willa White of Newtown.  His sister, Lynn, is a church secretary in Joplin, MO.  

Besides helping his dad on the family farm when he can, Tyler’s goal is to eventually complete graduate work in studio art.