Hays Arts Council
The Hays Arts Council is excited to announce the launch of Block Party on the Bricks, a new community event set for Saturday, November 1, from 3–7 p.m. on 11th Street, just east of Main Street.
The event will showcase a wide range of artistic talent, including live music, interactive demonstrations, and a community mural. Confirmed performances include Cactus Collateral, Star Slinger, Flyover, the High Plains Barbershop Chorus, the FHSU Pep Band, and a featured duo from Reprise with Adrian Normandin and McKynlee Strecklein.
Art demonstrations will bring creativity to the streets with an aluminum pour by the FHSU Sculpture Club, screen printing, collaborative weaving, wheel throwing, oil painting, and watercolor. Many of these artists will also have work for sale. The newly formed FHSU Palette Society will lead a community mural project, inviting the public to leave their mark on the event.
“This is such an exciting moment for the Hays Arts Council,” said Brittney Squire, Board President. “While our renovation campaign has rightly been a major focus, we also wanted to create a new signature event that celebrates the creativity of our community and builds momentum for all the opportunities we’ll have in our updated space. Block Party on the Bricks is a chance to come together, enjoy incredible local talent, and support the arts in a really engaging way.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and are available now at givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy. Tickets include admission; street food and specialty adult drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of local partners Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing, Mixto Cocktail Bar (coming soon), and The Paisley Pear Wine Bar & Bistro. Attendees can also purchase original art and band merchandise during the event.
As part of the celebration, the Hays Arts Council is also hosting “All in Good ART", an online art auction and exhibit featuring donated works from local artists. The exhibit will run October 20–November 14 at the Hays Arts Center, with online bidding available throughout.
“I’m so grateful for the incredible team working behind the scenes on this event. Their dedication and hard work alongside the amazing artists, musicians, and community partners truly reflects the spirit of the Hays Arts Council,” said Chandler Reich, Executive Director for the Hays Arts Council. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to support and celebrate the arts in our community.”
The planning committee includes Linda Ganstrom, Schamra Dethridge, Brittany Gorelick, Amiyah Gonzales-Brown, Jennifer McClure, Megan Pfannenstiel, Colin Schmitberger, Dean Stramel, Janet Stramel, Josh Tanguay, Diana Unrein, and Amy Warfield. The team is also joined by FHSU Leadership 310 students Hailee Bingham, Reese Frauendorfer, and Eli Koerperich. Special thanks go to Scott Gross for design support and to the Downtown Hays Development Corporation for their partnership.
The Hays Arts Council is still seeking sponsors for the event. For details, contact the Event Marketing Team: Brittney Squire ([email protected]) or Megan Pfannenstiel ([email protected]).
For more information about the Hays Arts Council and its programs, visit www.haysartscouncil.org