KANSAS! Magazine Brings Home the Gold from International Awards

TOPEKA – KANSAS! Magazine brought home three Gold Awards at the 44^th annual International Regional Media Association (IRMA) awards presentation. For the third consecutive year, KANSAS! was a finalist for the Magazine of the Year. Andrea Etzel, Publisher of KANSAS! and publication manager for Kansas Tourism, accepted the awards on behalf of the magazine.

“I am proud to see KANSAS! Magazine receiving national recognition for its compelling story telling and illustrations that highlight all the amazing things our great state has to offer,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This magazine does a wonderful job of highlighting all the places and things that make Kansas unique, and most importantly, the inspiring people who make up our state.”  

All three of the Gold Awards were for creative work in the 2023 “Notorious” issue, which delved into Kansas’ history of rebels with a cause. Two Gold Awards honored custom caricature illustrations and the magazine cover, both created by Lawrence based artist Torren Thomas. Additionally, art director Shelly Bryant received an Award of Merit for Art Direction of a Single Story. The “Notorious” issue also earned a Gold Award in the Historic Feature category for the story “City of Sorrow,” written by Will Haynes. This features recounts Quantrill’s Raid on the community of Lawrence, 160 years after the horrific event, and was praised by a judge as “feeling like a Ken Burns documentary on paper.”

The final recognition for KANSAS! Magazine was being honored as a finalist for Magazine of the Year.

“This magazine delivers on its promise to capture the essence of Kansas in its content,” one judged commented. “Married with sophisticated layouts and design elements it is a very well-thought-out magazine. Great variety of content that celebrates the history of the state, local fair, talent and community members.”

As a finalist, it acknowledges the magazine’s talented team of editors, writers, photographers and artists who are passionate about sharing and celebrating the best of Kansas with its readers.

Published by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, KANSAS! is the premier subscription lifestyle magazine of the Sunflower State. It is a legacy publication that will celebrate 80 years in 2025.

“KANSAS! Magazine captures the hearts of readers,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “It profoundly tells the stories of Kansas, from the beautiful landscapes to the awe-inspiring people who call Kansas home.”

IRMA members include state, province and regional publications from across the United States, Bermuda and Canada. The awards were granted for work published in 2023 and judged by independent panels of experts. 

KANSAS! Magazine is available by subscription for $20 per year. To subscribe, click here.