By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Explore the creative world of nature-inspired art at this year’s Fall Art Walk featuring two artists at multiple locations in downtown Hays.
Brenda Meder, director of the Hays Arts Council, said she is looking forward to Friday’s annual art walk, which begins at the Art Center at 112 E. 11th St.
“It includes a lot of wonderful events and features. We have a great program,” she said.
The art center will feature works by Glen Ediger of Wichita and Eric Stearns of Nebraska in the fall exhibition, which runs through October 11.
Ediger’s innovative genre of “Environmental Exposure” involves placing steel, copper, aluminum or wood panels outdoors with materials applied to them and exposing them to the elements for long periods of time. This technique creates abstract landscapes through rust, dust and patina.
Stearns’ raku-fired ceramics draw on his interest in mathematics and create patterns intended to evoke emotional responses. Each piece reflects his identity as a person and an artist.
The exhibition entitled “Element” serves as the anchor of the art walk and, according to Meder, fits perfectly with the works of Ediger and Stearns.
“I derived this name from its meaning, which is ‘wild and powerful,’ like the forces of nature,” she said. “Both of our artists represent that.”
Ediger is a retired design director at Vornado Air LLC, where he was involved in the design, engineering and development of Vornado products since 1985.
Stearns is chair of the art department at Doane University and also holds a Master of Fine Arts from Fort Hays State University.
The opening reception for “Elemental” will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hays Art Center and the exhibition will be on view through October 11.
For more information about Eric Stearns and Glen Ediger, visit their websites.
The Fall Art Walk encompasses various locations downtown and the FHSU campus and features exhibitions in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art and the Taylor Gallery.
The two campus exhibitions feature “Hypertopia” by graphic designer Sean Engler and “Base of Reasoning” sculptures by Dan Schluckbier, open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“One thing to keep in mind: There is no order in which you have to follow things. We’re starting a little earlier on campus so you have a chance to catch it and make the evening even longer,” Meder said.
The Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St., presents “Sorting out Race,” a traveling Kansas Humanities exhibit featuring live music by Forrest McCurren.
Other places to explore on Friday include:
- Ceena’s Massage and Retail, 106 W. 12th St. for crystal and gemstone jewelry and suncatchers by Jessica Hughes
- Catholic Charities Offices, 122 E. 12th St. for painting and collage quilt by Emily Schoeppner
- Custom Creations, 1107 Main St. for “I Want to Go to Brookfield Zoo” creations by Lucas Albers
- Paisley Pear Wine Bar & Bistro, 1100 Main St. for ink and colored pencil art by Kari Haas with live music by Wade Richards from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Madd Matter Frame Shop & Gallery, 112 E. 11th St. for “Beyond the Frame: Picture the Possibilities.”
- Fusion of Manuel, 700 Main St. for “Work by Jacob”
- Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th St. for the traveling exhibit “Hitting the Road: 100 Years on the Victory Highway.”
The Victory Highway, now Highway 40, was built after World War I to connect nations and honor returning veterans.
“It’s literally spread across the country,” Meder said. “It’s a traveling exhibit that’s been going around the state and the region for some time. It’s fascinating.”
A full list of locations and information about the exhibitions can be found here.
The Hays Art Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information visit the Hays Art Council website or follow them on Facebook.
