Vernon Filley Art Museum

The Vernon Filley Art Museum, nestled in the heart of Pratt, Kansas, is a testament to one woman’s lifelong passion for art and her desire to enrich her community through culture and creativity. Established to house the personal collection of Emily “Mimi” Horwath Filley, the museum honors both her vision and the memory of her husband, Dr. Vernon W. Filley, a dedicated local surgeon.

Mimi’s journey into the art world began during a childhood visit to the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Inspired by the idea that many works on display were gifts from private collectors, she imagined a future where she, too, could contribute art for the public to enjoy. This dream guided her collecting philosophy for decades. Alongside her husband, she spent many years acquiring pieces that spoke to her personally, especially in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she developed close relationships with artists and gallery owners.

The museum showcases the Filley collection, which reflects a strong Southwest influence, but it also reaches far beyond it. A central component of its mission is to present rotating exhibitions that highlight a broad spectrum of artistic styles and voices. From contemporary regional artists to traditional works, the museum serves as a cultural anchor for the area.

In addition to its exhibition program, the Vernon Filley Art Museum fosters artistic education through workshops, classes, and outreach initiatives. It has become a vibrant space for learning, inspiration, and community engagement. Mimi’s original dream—to make art accessible and meaningful to others—lives on in every aspect of the museum’s offerings. Through its growing programs and thoughtful curation, the Vernon Filley Art Museum continues to cultivate an appreciation for the visual arts in a region where such a resource is both rare and deeply valued.