By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
The annual spring Art Walk is again set to return to downtown Hays on April 29.
Following the format adopted during the pandemic, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with participants throughout downtown and beyond.
“Going from 10 to four instead of a three-hour evening does give people more time to get around,” said Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder.
The expanded time frame allows participants to explore exhibitions outside the core downtown area more easily.
“Plus, it's a really awesome way to support, in general, the downtown,” Meder said. “When people are down there all day looking around at the art, they're also going to hit a restaurant or coffee shop or wine bar, they're going to hit some of the little awesome boutique stores that we have in downtown Hays that usually can't be on the Artwalk just for space constraints.”
Again anchoring the Spring Art Walk is the Smoky Hill Exhibition inside the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.
This year will mark the 54th anniversary of the exhibition, the oldest juried fine art exhibition in the state. Cash awards totaling $3,000 are set to be given out.
“It's a big deal,” Meder said. “And, in fact, we'll have a patron reception the night before.”
While various artistic stylings will be available during the day, Meder said it will also mark the first opportunity to view interior expansion going on work at the First Care Clinic, 1301 Main.
“They've got all the major construction work and things done,” Meder said. “And they said this is a great time to share our space and let people see what we're going to be about. So, it's not open for their business yet, but they're going to be on the Artwalk. And so that's really cool.”
The day will also be an opportunity to explore the recently opened Blue Light Body Arts, after moving and reopening under a new name.
“If you've always wanted to check it out, or maybe talk to somebody and just see what goes on, they're going to be open that day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some great art,” Meder said.
Participants can find a full list of the participating locations on the Hays Arts Council's website, haysartscouncil.org, where she said a printable form can be found.
"You can just print it out on good old paper if you want to walk around with it," Meder said. "Otherwise, pull it up on your device as you're trekking around the community."
With it, Meder said, "You will be able to plan your strategy. And check out all these locations by the end of this weekend. So you've got a whole week to see what's going on."
And with the full day of events, she said it is an opportunity to experience the Art Walk with those that may traditionally struggle with large crowds.
"This has such a spread of time, and there is no congestion anywhere because of the way the day is set up," Meder said. "Still tons and tons of visitors. But there's never some major congestion. And so this is a good day for everyone to come out and enjoy our downtown overall. But where the arts are the focus and the foundation of a really wonderful day for our community."
