![Small wood framed wall pieces by artist Eric Stearns. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259676348.jpeg)
By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Discover the creative realm of nature-inspired art at this year's Fall Art Walk featuring two artists, spanning multiple locations throughout downtown Hays.
Brenda Meder, director of the Hays Arts Council, said she is excited for Friday's annual art walk that starts at the Art Center, located at 112 E. 11th St.
"There are a lot of wonderful events and features that are part of this. We have a great lineup," she said.
The art center will showcase works by Glen Ediger from Wichita and Eric Stearns from Nebraska in this fall's exhibition that runs through October 11.
Ediger's innovative "Environmental Exposure" genre involves placing sheets of steel, copper, aluminum, or wood outdoors with materials on top, allowing them to weather for extended periods. This technique produces abstract landscapes through rust, dust and patina.
Stearns’ Raku fired ceramics draws on his interest in mathematics to create patterns that aim to evoke emotional responses. Each piece reflects his identity as both a person and an artist.
![Small vessels by artist Eric Stearns. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259728522.jpeg)
![Fractured Triptych by artist Glen Ediger. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259766433.jpeg)
![A small vessel by Eric Stearns. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259808985.jpeg)
Titled "Element," the exhibit serves as the anchor of the art walk which Meder said is perfect for the works of Ediger and Stearns.
"I derive that name from its meaning, which is 'wild and powerful,' like the forces of nature," she said. "Both of our artists represent that."
Ediger is a retired Director of Design at Vornado Air LLC, where he was involved in the design, engineering and development of Vornado products since 1985.
Stearns is the chairman of the art department at Doane University and also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Fort Hays State University.
The opening reception for "Elemental" is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hays Art Center and the exhibit will be on display until October 11.
You can learn more about Eric Stearns and Glen Ediger on their websites.
![A small vessel by Eric Stearns. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259902255.jpeg)
![A flared bowl by Eric Stearns. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259916781.jpeg)
![The High Plains by artist Glen Ediger. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259931072.jpeg)
The Fall Art Walk includes various downtown locations and the FHSU campus, featuring exhibitions at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art and the Taylor Gallery.
The two campus exhibits showcase "Hypertopia" by graphic designer Sean Engler and "Base of Reasoning" sculptures by Dan Schluckbier, open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
"One thing to remember is there's no order you have to follow things. We start campus a little early to give you a chance to catch that and make the evening even longer," Meder said.
The Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St., features "Sorting out Race," a Kansas Humanities touring exhibition with live music by Forrest McCurren.
Other locations you can explore on Friday include:
- Ceena's Massage and Retail, 106 W. 12th St. for Crystal and Gemstone Jewelry and Suncatchers by Jessica Hughes
- Catholic Charities Offices, 122 E. 12th St. for Painting and Collage Quilt by Emily Schoeppner
- Custom Creations, 1107 Main St. for “I Want to go to Brookfield Zoo” creations by Lucas Albers
- Paisley Pear Wine Bar & Bistro, 1100 Main St. for Ink & Colored Pencil Dimensional Art by Kari Haas with live music by Wade Richards from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Madd Matter Frame Shop & Gallery, 112 E. 11th St. for “Beyond the Frame: Picture the Possibilities”
- Fusion by Manuel, 700 Main St. for "Work by Jacob"
- Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th St. for “Hitting the Road: 100 Years on the Victory Highway” touring exhibition
Victory Highway, now Highway 40, was constructed after World War I to connect the nation and honor returning veterans.
"It grew literally across the country," Meder said. "It's a touring exhibition that has been going around the state and region for quite some time. It's fascinating."
You can find a complete list of locations and information about displays here.
The Hays Art Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can find more information on the Hays Art Council's website and follow them on Facebook.