Organizers face volunteer shortage ahead of River Festival

Deadlines approach for River Festival patrons and attendees

'Community Tangle' installation planned for festival grounds

River Festival to feature Sunday bird scavenger hunt

Artyopolis to introduce new stamp and print stations

Committee eyes emerging artist program for local youth

Cultural plan survey nears goal of 1,500 responses

Juror sculpture installation relocated and delayed

Organizers face volunteer shortage ahead of River Festival

SALINA, Kan. — With the Smoky Hill River Festival just three weeks away, organizers are facing a volunteer shortage across multiple areas of the June 11-14 event. Key areas needing immediate help include the art demonstration area, artist parking logistics, children's crafts and load-in and load-out shifts for artists. To help fill the gaps, organizers are offering stipend money to large groups — such as school or sports teams — that can supply a coordinator and 20 or more volunteers to cover multiple shifts.

Deadlines approach for River Festival patrons and attendees

SALINA, Kan. — As the Smoky Hill River Festival approaches, organizers are reminding residents of key deadlines for participation and attendance. Art Patron registration officially ends today, while general festival wristbands will remain on sale through June 9 at the Salina Arts & Humanities office and various locations around town. During the June 11-14 event, attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase new merchandise on-site, including hats featuring an embroidered rainbow logo.

'Community Tangle' installation planned for festival grounds

SALINA, Kan. — A large-scale community art build dubbed "Community Tangle" will take place in Oakdale Park during the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival. The interactive installation will be constructed using tree limbs, brush, grass, twine and other natural materials. Festival-goers of all ages are encouraged to volunteer for come-and-go shifts throughout the weekend to help build the structure under the guidance of visiting artist team Prairie Works Design.

River Festival to feature Sunday bird scavenger hunt

SALINA, Kan. — The River Festival will feature "The Least Endangered Species," a Sunday scavenger hunt offering 275 handcrafted bird sculptures by local artist Curt Krob. Instead of hiding the large birds throughout the park, organizers will display the collection at the demonstration area on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, attendees who find coins hidden throughout the festival grounds can exchange them with Krob for a bird to keep.

Artyopolis to introduce new stamp and print stations

SALINA, Kan. — New interactive activities will be introduced at the Artyopolis children's area during this year's Smoky Hill River Festival. Local artist Starla Fauci-Wills has carved layered stamps for a new station where attendees can learn the full printing process using yellow, blue, magenta and black ink to reveal a collaborative design. Additionally, printed designs and presses will be available for attendees of all ages at the Button Boulevard activity station.

Committee eyes emerging artist program for local youth

SALINA, Kan. — Community Art & Design Committee members held a lengthy discussion regarding the creation of an emerging artist program to help high school and college students transition into the professional art market. Prompted by a committee member's praise for a recent Salina South High School art show, the committee explored the logistics of providing an exhibition tent, application assistance and mentorship at future River Festivals. The committee established a tentative goal to launch a pilot version of the program with a single tent in 2027.

Cultural plan survey nears goal of 1,500 responses

SALINA, Kan. — The city is nearing its goal of collecting 1,500 responses for the Big Picture Cultural Plan survey, needing just 300 more submissions before the window closes. The survey aims to gather comprehensive community feedback on Salina's cultural sector, including input from out-of-town participants who visit the city for arts and entertainment. The final day to submit the survey will coincide with the final day of the River Festival on June 14, where QR codes and printed materials will be available on-site for last-minute participants.

Juror sculpture installation relocated and delayed

SALINA, Kan. — The installation of a new sculpture created by SculptureTour juror Brady Hatter has been delayed and relocated following feedback from city staff. Originally planned for an earlier installation, staff requested waiting until the school year ends to ensure a safe installation process. The piece will now be installed near the Fourth Street Bridge, facing outward to better accommodate the flow of pedestrian traffic entering the area.

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