By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Arts Council spring art walk was moved five years ago from Friday evenings for a few short hours to a full day on Saturdays.
It's been a boon to downtown businesses, says Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, allowing art enthusiasts to also enjoy shopping at the local boutiques and restaurants.
"We want people to enjoy the art, but there's also the opportunity to pop into little stores, even if they're not on the art walk," she said.
Having it on the weekend also allows more out-of-town visitors to enjoy the art walk.
"It really allows you to savor it and make it a full day. We know we're contributing to the vitality and economic impact of downtown. community," Meder said.
The walk is anchored by the 56th annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition in the Hays Arts Center. Fifty-six pieces from more than 270 submissions were selected by juror Jay D. Nelson. The exhibition will run through June 6.
The list of art stops is available online on the Hays Arts Council website, with media ranging from hand-turned wood vessels, jewelry design and a book signing to the more traditional paint, ceramics and photography.
Several culminating exhibits will be presented by Fort Hays State University art students. Hays High students will also have an art showcase at 809 Studio.
Two exhibits will be at Fort Hays State University in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art and the Taylor Gallery.
The FHSU Jazz Band will present a concert at 2 p.m. in the downtown pavilion, 10th and Main, where a chalk art station for the kids and young at heart will be set up, courtesy of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.
After the art walk, performances will be presented that evening by the Hays Community Theatre with "Bus Stop" by William Inge and the FHSU "New Music Festival" concert.