Coloring book by Pitt State Art students showcases area attractions 

A unique project designed by Art students at Pittsburg State University is helping to showcase attractions in Southeast Kansas: a coloring book for children, with Gus Gorilla as the tour guide, that tourism officials will distribute 10,000 copies of in coming days. 

“I have been with Explore Crawford County since 2017 and one of the things we have learned over the years is how little residents know about the region they live in,” said Chris Wilson, marketing and communications manager for Crawford County’s Convention & Visitors Bureau.  

He partnered with Professor Jamie Oliver, chair of the Art Department, and his classes to create the first coloring book, “Gus the Gorilla Explores Southeast Kansas,” in Spring 2022. The book won 1st place in the Small Budget Print Category at the Kansas Tourism Conference and was so popular with residents and visitors, Wilson decided to do an updated reprint this spring.  

The project has helped Oliver’s students learn the business side of the art industry including working with a client. 

In turn, it is helping young residents learn more about their home while also serving as a guide for families traveling into the area. 

“A coloring book is an easy way to introduce local children to fun and quirky things throughout Southeast Kansas, as well as telling stories that should not be forgotten,” Wilson said. “If our locals know little about where they live, how can we expect them to help travelers and other guests?” 

Student artists included Claire Bruening, Briana Carranza, Collin Chaney, Ali Doll, Olivia Frazier, George Hatcher, Jamesha Hawkins, Peyton Lemons, Abby McCoy, Katelyn Phelps, and Devynn Pitts. 

Their scenes included: 

Crawford County 

• Champion Gorilla and Carnie Smith Stadium at Pitt State 
• 23rd Street Mountain Biking Park, Wilderness Park, Kiddieland, and Leffler Rotary Park all in Pittsburg 
• Riverside Park in Oswego 
• Stone Schoolhouse in Cato 
• Crawford County Fair in Girard 
• Chicken Annie’s in Yale 
• Trans-America Bike Trail 
• City Park in Arma 
• Crawford State Park near Farlington 
• Ruritan Rodeo in Hepler 
• Rex the Sinclair DINO and Rotary Park in Frontenac 
• City Park in McCune 
• Freddy Gobl Jr. Memorial Children’s Park in Mulberry 

Cherokee County 

• Big Brutus in West Mineral 
• Train Depot in Carona 
• Galena and Historic Route 66 

Bourbon County 

• Fort House National Historic Site and Gunn Park 

Labette County 

• Tolen Creek Park sculptures in Parsons 

Neosho County 

• Dinosaur Park in Erie 

Copies will be distributed to sites across Crawford County including libraries, city halls, museums, hotels, and chambers of commerce, and to travel information centers across the state. 

Locally, they will be available at the Explore Crawford County office at 117 W. Fourth St., the Overman Student Center on campus, Pittsburg Public Library at 308 N. Walnut, Pittsburg City Hall at 201 W. Fourth St., and Crawford County Historical Museum, 651 Highway 69. 

Learn more about the Pitt State Art Department.