New gallery location open at PCC

Pratt Community College had more than 60 people on campus Feb. 19 for the rededication of the Delmar Riney Art Gallery in the Riney Student Conference Center.
 
During Delmar and Claudine Riney’s time in Pratt, they made many donations to the college, totaling approximately $2 million in all. With that money, the college was able to build the Riney Student Conference Center, furnish it and give students scholarships.
 
The Delmar Riney Art Gallery was named after Delmar because the Riney’s were patrons of the art. They enjoyed visiting the college to promote the art gallery, hoping their interest would benefit the students.
 
During the dedication, many people spoke about the Riney’s and what a difference they made to Pratt and the college.
 
“The Riney’s were truly interested in the future of the college and helping out where they could,” said Dr. William Wojciechowski, President of the college. “With their generosity the school was able to build the Riney Student Conference Center and give scholarships we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to give.”
 
The Riney’s nephew, Cecil Riney, came from Wichita to be a part of the day and speak a few words about his uncle and aunt and why art is important to him.
 
While speaking about them, Cecil said he got much of his appreciation of art from his uncle and aunt.
 
“I have loved art all of my life and much of it is because of the influence they had on me,” Cecil said.
 
Cecil currently serves on the Board of Directors for Music Theatre of Wichita, Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Salvation Army. He also served 40 years as Chairman of Fine Arts and Director of Singing Quakers at Friends University.  He toured with the Singing Quakers in Europe seven times, also Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Stan Reimer’s artwork is currently being displayed in the new gallery through March 16. On March 26 the Pratt Quilters and student art exhibits will go in.