Commission tables purchase of welded steel sculpture amid debate

24 new sculptures set for annual UNwrapped event

Native American-inspired mural approved for downtown trash corral

Third Julie Cates mural set for downtown corral project

Fire station public art project to enlist YMCA youth

Smoky Hill River Festival seeks crucial volunteers

The Garage Automotive Museum to feature 1970s River Festival history

City urges resident participation in cultural plan survey

City secures major funding for river project and plaza

Commission tables purchase of welded steel sculpture amid debate

SALINA, Kan. - The Salina Arts & Humanities Commission engaged in substantial debate regarding a last-minute proposal to purchase a welded steel figure sculpture by SculptureTour artist Justin Deister. The piece, featured in last year's SculptureTour, was offered for $2,400, with SculptureTour volunteering to cover the commission costs. However, committee members balked at the sudden offer, citing poor reference photos, the abstract nature of the figurative piece and a lack of community input. Members referenced past public pushback against abstract figures installed at the Salina Police Department, ultimately deciding to table the purchase until better images and public feedback can be gathered in May.

24 new sculptures set for annual UNwrapped event

SALINA, Kan. - The city's public art landscape will undergo its annual transformation in early May, when 24 new pieces are unveiled during the annual SculptureTour Salina UNwrapped event. The kickoff will begin at 11 a.m. near the City Lights Stage plaza parking lot at Ash and Santa Fe avenues, though specific staging may shift slightly due to ongoing construction. The identity of this year's juror remains under wraps, though officials hinted it is an individual highly familiar to the local arts community.

Native American-inspired mural approved for downtown trash corral

SALINA, Kan. - A new public art installation is coming to a downtown trash corral behind Ad Astra Books & Coffee House. The Salina Arts & Humanities Commission approved a proposal by local artist Anthony Smith and his brother, David, to paint a mural featuring a red-winged blackbird. The design pays homage to Native American traditions, where the bird is viewed as a protector and a bringer of good luck and abundance. To increase community engagement, the artists will paint the mural on-site during the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival.

Third Julie Cates mural set for downtown corral project

SALINA, Kan. - Artist Julie Cates will return for her third downtown trash corral project, this time painting the enclosure behind Eccentricity in downtown Salina. Cates, known for her bright and playful characters that are highly popular with local youth, will work alongside youth artist Maya Johnson on the project. The colorful installation is expected to be highly visible to traffic approaching the intersection of Santa Fe and Iron avenues, continuing the city's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

Fire station public art project to enlist YMCA youth

SALINA, Kan. - Following recent project approval by the city, local artists Marcus Weaver and Sarah Lin are moving forward with their public art project for the new Fire Station No. 4. To incorporate the community into the installation, the artists are partnering with the Salina Family YMCA's summer program. Children between the ages of 5 and 13 enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to create the actual clay tiles that will be fired, glazed and utilized in the final permanent installation.

Smoky Hill River Festival seeks crucial volunteers

SALINA, Kan. - With the Smoky Hill River Festival fewer than 50 days away, organizers are urgently seeking volunteers, particularly for the vital parking committee. Officials stressed that the parking committee serves as the first line of hospitality for the hundreds of artists arriving at Oakdale Park and is crucial for event safety and morning logistics. Residents interested in volunteering for parking, admission gates or the Artyopolis kids' zone can sign up online through VolunteerLocal.

The Garage Automotive Museum to feature 1970s River Festival history

SALINA, Kan. - A new 1970s-themed exhibit opening at The Garage Automotive Museum later this month will feature a dedicated display celebrating the origins of the Smoky Hill River Festival. Partnering with the arts commission, the museum will showcase the festival's history dating back to its inception in 1977. The display case will include the first piece of public art ever purchased by the arts commission, original 1970s festival T-shirts and original buttons from 1977 through 1979.

City urges resident participation in cultural plan survey

SALINA, Kan. - City officials are making a final push for residents to complete the ongoing cultural plan survey, which will shape the future of public art and events in the community. Planners noted that early feedback shows an unusually high percentage of local residents prefer hands-on, interactive "maker" opportunities over traditional visual art. The survey, which remains open until the conclusion of the Smoky Hill River Festival on June 14, asks residents to identify specific neighborhoods where they want to see public art and what types of innovative, technology-driven installations they prefer.

City secures major funding for river project and plaza

SALINA, Kan. — The City of Salina has secured significant private donations to fund public art and interactive spaces along the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Recent city approvals include new naming rights agreements, notably for Kubota Plaza on Fourth Street. The plaza is financially supported by Salina-based Great Plains Manufacturing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kubota Corporation. This influx of private capital will help transform the developing riverfront corridor.

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