Going Home – Creative Connections

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

Going Home by Sondra L. Jonson

A biweekly e-newsletter dedicated to creatives featuring exhibition, performance, employment, professional development, and cultural opportunities.

Going Home

Crystal Hammerschmidt

Arts Services Coordinator

Salina Arts & Humanities

Since 2011, the City of Salina has consistently purchased the SculptureTour Salina People's Choice Award Winner. The latest acquisition, "Going Home," a bronze sculpture by renowned artist Sondra L. Jonson, enriches the City’s public art collection. A master of figurative and portrait sculpture, Sondra operates her studio in Cambridge, Nebraska. "Going Home" has resonated deeply with the community, earning its place as permanent work in our collection.

The Community Art & Design Committee has advocated for the sculpture's placement at the Saline County War Memorial in Sunset Park. This location is chosen to highlight the sculpture's narrative and aesthetic significance in a commemorative setting. While preparations for its installation are underway, the sculpture is temporarily exhibited at the Smoky Hill Museum.

We invite the public to view "Going Home" at the Smoky Hill Museum, located at 211 W Iron Ave, Salina, KS. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM; it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Visitors are kindly asked to check in at the front desk before exploring the museum and appreciating the sculpture.

The 2025 SculptureTour Salina Unwrap Party is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the City Lights Stage in downtown Salina. This event will reveal 24 new sculptures. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a self-guided walking tour and vote for their favorite piece in the People's Choice Award program. Voting ballots are available in silver boxes on sculpture pedestals near most mid-block crosswalks and at local downtown restaurants and boutiques.

Engage in this vibrant celebration of creativity and public art. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open from May 3 to December 31, 2025. SculptureTour Salina is made possible through private and public sponsorships, grants, marketing investments, in-kind services, and donations.

To learn more about SculptureTour Salina, check out their website here. For information regarding Sondra L. Jonson's work, please explore her website here. Additionally, to find more information on the Salina-Saline County War Memorial, please visit here.

Continue the Conversation

What creative activities or events do you recommend for the spring season?

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Call for Content

Salina Arts & Humanities welcomes content for the Creative Connections and we value your input! Email your contribution of approximately 250 words to sah@salina.org.

Statewide Arts Opportunities

Check out regional calls for art, juried shows, funding opportunities, residencies, professional development, or other opportunities posted by the Kansas Arts Commission.

Volunteer with us at the Smoky Hill River Festival!

We love our River Festival volunteers; they are crucial to making it happen! Getting involved with our community is a chance to:

• Get to know other people

• Share your skills

• Earn volunteer hours

• Gain experience

• Have FUN!

Go to https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807 to sign up for your favorite day and shift.

Enter your first name and email address and press SUBMIT. You will then be able to select the volunteer shifts and positions you would like to sign up for. Some jobs are filled by volunteer groups and by the committees, these jobs require a password, if you are interested in a position and do not have a password, please contact us and we can get you in touch with that group or committee.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Committee level or if you have questions or need assistance, please call Salina Arts & Humanities at 785-309-5770 or email sah@salina.org.

Call for Vending Machine Artwork

Calling All Artists! Salina Arts & Humanities is on the hunt for small yet mighty artworks to fill our art vending machine, currently on display at Ad Astra Books & Coffee House.

Why Participate?

People of all ages will start their art collections with your masterpiece.

Engage in a unique and fun way to share your art with the Salina Community.

Art Criteria:

Family-friendly, with creative freedom for each artist

Consistent quality in all pieces, hand-signed

Size: Max 2.75" x 4.25"

Minimum of 50 pieces

📌 Important:

Sample designs are due on a rolling basis and are open until all available funds run out!

📞 For inquiries or submissions:

Contact Crystal Hammerschmidt at crystal.hammerschmidt@salina.org