Bow Studio and Gallery - Abilene, Kansas The Bow Studio and Gallery in Abilene, Kansas was operated by a delightful couple from the 1970s until 2012 when Inga Bow passed away at the age of 84. Inga was originally from Austria, she was charming and had a delightful accent, while Bob was down-to-earth and quick to laugh. I enjoyed talking to them as much as photographing the studio and gallery. Today the there is an exhibit of Inga's work but nothing is for sale. It is open when Bob is there, but no regular hours. Bob and Inga Bow produced decorative handmade tiles, sculpture, and other art work in various media including handmade paper, collage, pastel, water color and oil paintings. They met and were married in Florida and came to Kansas when Bob was transferred to Fort Riley. They stayed in Kansas, established the Bow Studio and Gallery in 1973 and moved to their present location in 1976 Inga and Bob used local Kansas clays from Ellsworth and Cloud counties in north central Kansas. The clay is dug from the hills of the Dakota formation. The clay deposits contain many fossils of leaves and plants. Bob made turtles almost exclusively, but Inga Bow produced a wide variety of work. I think my favorites are her leaf dishes, which are produced using real leaves. Before leaving, you may wish to check out the junk art which Bob Bow has collected in the yard. These are all found metal objects, unmodified from the way they were naturally created.
Bow Studio & Gallery
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