As the weather teases us with spring temperatures, Arts & Humanities is gearing up for Festival season! The Smoky Hill River Festival has been well underway for months already, and we’ve got all the fan favorites lined up, but there is always room for generating new ideas.

Each year hundreds of visual artists apply for a spot in the Festival Art Show. Many of you may be familiar with the Patron Program, and if not, please check our Festival website for more information and how to register. You certainly don’t have to register for the program to be a patron of the arts, and purchasing art is not the ONLY way to be a patron.

We all know the weather is an uncontrollable variable that can make or break a weekend of sales. The cost of living, artists' materials, and travel are all part of the investment these creative folks make to participate in our show. Every dollar counts and is the reason why we continue to look for innovative ways to support these visiting artists and offer a high level of hospitality.

The Festival team has been exploring models for a housing program that would pair patrons, who want to offer lodging accommodations for the Festival weekend, with artists. The program is twofold, it strengthens connections between our artists and community and also has a significant impact on the bottom line for these visiting artists. 

We are in the research stage and want to know if there is interest and capacity from our community members who can level up their support.

If you are interested in:

·        Knowing more.

·        Joining a program development committee.

·        Offering lodging.

Please email SAH@salina.org with “SHRF art show housing program” in the subject line and include any information about how you want to be involved.