By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Most of the exhibits are in downtown Hays and at Fort Hays State University.
From ceramics to photography, and authors to live music, you'll find a wide mix of visual, literary and performance arts, said Chandler Reich, Hays Arts Council executive director.
The 5-State Photography Competition and Exhibition, in its 42nd year, will anchor the art walk at the Hays Arts Center.
The exhibition is the result of a juried, competitive exhibition open to any photographer living in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.
This year, 648 photos were entered, with 150 selected for exhibition by juror John Finch, a longtime wildlife photographer who has worked around the world. He also determined cash awards totaling $1,500.
Finch told Reich he may have been a little more critical in judging the landscape and wildlife photography because of his background.
"He told us he starts just by looking at the pictures, and then he starts selecting based on his first impression," Reich said. "Once he gets that narrowed down, he starts looking at the technical things.
"I'm really excited for everything to be up and for people to see his choices."
The 5-State Exhibition will be on display through February 2026.
There are 17 venues to visit during Saturday's art walk.
Reich said having the event on Saturday makes it easier for most people, including out-of-town visitors, to view all the exhibits.
For the youngest participants, a children's art show and hot cocoa will be offered at the K-State Cottonwood Extension Office, sponsored by Little Explorers Daycare.
Many art students from Fort Hays State University and Hays High School will showcase their work, including ceramics, paintings, printmaking and sculpture.
The Hays High Orchestra will be performing in the Downtown Pavilion in Union Pacific Park from 10 a.m. to noon.
Fort Hays State University sculpture professor Toby Flores will show his own sculpture and forged works in his gallery at 708 Main.
More live music can be enjoyed from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hays Public Library by the Sweet Remedy Band, where authors Kale Link and Jeanne Riedel will talk about their books, and photography by Chris Schmidt will be featured.
Christmas music by Buffalo Bridge 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be presented at Custom Creations.
Handmade holiday creations from Bethesda Place, in conjunction with the WeKan Center, will be available for purchase at the Bethesda Place Christmas Store, 126 W. Ninth.
There will be one exhibit outside the downtown Hays area.
Fiber arts by Micki Armstrong and Kari Schultz and show quilting by Phyllis Marcum will be featured at the Sew Easy Stitch Lounge, 2506 Vine.
There is no fee to attend the art walk.
