Featured Artist: Mandi Gaudian

Junction City Arts Council is excited to feature Mandi Gaudian as one of our current artists. Her work is on display now through the end of November 2026 at the CL Hoover Opera House. Here’s a little about her and the story behind her work.

A Lifelong Love of Art
Mandi grew up surrounded by creativity. Her parents and grandparents were artistic in their own ways — music, sewing, crafting, painting, and woodworking were all part of her childhood. That environment shaped her love of making things. She started sketching in junior high, picked up painting in her early 20s, and began displaying her work in her 30s. As she puts it, each chapter of her life has brought a new or renewed artistic journey. Showing her art at JCAC is simply the latest chapter.

What Inspires Her
For Mandi, emotion is the biggest driver behind her art, with nature close behind. Sometimes a piece starts with nothing more than colors on the canvas, and she lets it take her somewhere. Other times, a photograph or a moment she experiences in person sparks the idea.

Her Medium of Choice
Mandi has experimented with different types of paint over the years, but acrylic has been her go-to. Lately, she’s been working with acrylic paint markers, adding a new dimension to her pieces.

A Piece Close to Her Heart
One work in the exhibit holds special meaning: “Under the Stars.” Mandi has lived in Kansas for just shy of three years, having moved from Colorado, where the mountains were a constant source of inspiration. “Under the Stars” captures the beauty she’s come to see in her new home.

What She Hopes You’ll Feel
Mandi hopes her art evokes emotion in the people who take time to look at it. Every piece tells a story, and that story might mean something different to each person who sees it. Knowing that someone looked at her work and felt something is what inspires her most as an artist.

Stop by the CL Hoover Opera House to see Mandi’s work in person, including “Under the Stars,” on display now through the end of November 2026. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm. Location: 135 W. 7th St. Junction City, Kansas

Artist Reception
Want to meet Mandi and hear more about her work? Join us for her artist reception on October 17, 2026, from 6pm to 8pm at the Munson Arts Education Building and CL Hoover Opera House. Light appetizers will be served.