Spring Gallery Walk A Success

The 40th Annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition and 2009 Spring Gallery Walk hosted by the Hays Arts Council was a success. The 33 locations that were open on Friday, April 24, provided a wide variety of art for the public to view and observe. However, the hit of the event seemed to be the 22 locations that remained open on Saturday, April 25 for viewing. 

The public reviews over the locations remaining open on Saturday, were excellent. Jennifer Meagher, a Hays resident, commented, “I loved the extra opportunity to view the art on Saturday. I work on Friday nights and usually have to miss the fun! This year I enjoyed being able to attend.” Another attendee who enjoyed the art on Saturday was Peggy Nixon, a Wichita resident. “I thoroughly enjoyed the many pieces of art; but favored the photography by Shane Knight,” Nixon said. People come from far and wide to enjoy the artistic talents of the Kansan artists. Nixon also stated, “I was just passing through on the Interstate and decided to pull in to Hays for lunch and shopping. I found the gallery walk instead. I might make a trip out next year for the gallery walk!”

On the other hand, James Dreiling, a Hays resident, viewed the art on Friday night.  “I stuck with what I’m used to. I like viewing the art after a long week and enjoy the appetizers, good company, and social atmosphere of the Friday night event.” Troy Steiner, a first time attendee, commented on how much he “enjoyed the many varieties that were displayed.” “The show was more than I expected. I was impressed,” stated Steiner.

This years Spring Gallery Walk sure did turn heads and successfully pulled new people into the amazing artistic world. The next gallery walk is scheduled for Friday, June 19 from 7-9 p.m. Contact Brenda Meder at the Hays Arts Center for more information. She can be reached at 785.625.7522.

(Photos courtesy Bruce Burkholder)