Salina Arts & Humanities (SAH) is commissioning local artists to design button art to celebrate 50 years of the Smoky Hill River Festival. The artworks selected will be used to promote the event in the fall/spring and during the event, June 11 – 14, 2026. 

During the Festival, button making is a free activity open to all ages, located at Button Boulevard in Artyopolis, the kids' area of the Festival. We encourage artists with selected button designs to volunteer in this area, however, participation as a volunteer is optional. 

The finished button size will be 2.25 inches in diameter, and artists are advised to ensure that all critical design elements are positioned within the central area of the button. Artists are encouraged to incorporate a "50" within their design, but it is not required. The use of the Smoky Hill River Festival logo is optional and available upon request for those who wish to include it. SAH will retain the rights to any design selected and may utilize them for marketing and promotional purposes, always with proper credit given to the artist.

Artists can submit up to three designs, and local artists will receive preference. All artwork must be family-friendly. SAH staff will select up to six designs that reflect the vibrant energy and spirit of the Smoky Hill River Festival. 

Each chosen design will receive a $100 honorarium, a current W9 form must be on file for all selected artists. Any chosen youth submissions (under 18) are eligible for either a $100 Hobby Lobby gift card or a $100 donation to their school or classroom.

Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via email to Anna Pauscher-Morawitz at anna.pauscher@salina.org by September 18, 2025, with status notifications to be sent by October 1, 2025. SAH staff may request adjustments to the design before finalizing a selection. SAH reserves the right to include a Festival graphic or identifier within the design.

Full Call for Button Art