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Spam as art?

Peabody offers a taste of it

Staff writer

Spam is a staple in many cupboards, but it was used in an entirely different way Saturday.

More than a dozen Marion County residents crowded into the basement of Peabody Township Library to show off their artistic abilities through the use of Spam.

Artwork created Saturday included a water tower, houses, animals and people.

Erika Nelson with Arts on Tour through the Creative Arts Industry Commission led the participants.

Nelson, a self-proclaimed Spam expert, received a grant to bring her skills to Peabody.

Susan Mayo, chairman of the Sunflower Theatre Foundation, asked Nelson for a bigger event using Spam to create art projects.

Outside of Saturday’s event, Nelson is tasked with creating a sculpture to show how Peabody feels.

She will return to the town once in the fall and winter. She became enchanted with the small town after attending its one-of-a-kind July 4 fireworks show.

Nelson first thought of teaching Kansans the different ways to use Spam 15 years ago when she led a class in Topeka and followed that by leading two classes in Salina.

The sculpture for the town will not be quick. Nelson first has to have a conversation with town officials on what is interesting in Peabody.

After that conversation she will come up with three to four scenarios for the town to review.

“All of it is open for discussion,” she said. “We need to find out what will work.”

While the Spam was cooked after photos of the artwork, it was not the main portion of the lunch menu for participants.

Photos of the artwork will be placed on Sunflower Theatre Foundation and Creative Arts Industry Commission online sites.

Participant Anita Hind, whose mom is from Marion, was not sure what to expect in using Spam to create art.

“We had a family of nine kids who grew up on a farm,” she said. “We ate a lot of Spam,”

Peabody resident Shirley Davis, a member of the Sunflower Theatre Foundation, wanted to show her support.

“I think it’s fun,” she said. “We need fun things to do.”

Ryan Wray traveled from Wichita for the event because he thought it would be interesting to participate.

Last modified Oct. 15, 2025

 

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