Photography anchors Winter Gallery Walk
Published on -12/8/2009, 11:19 AM
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By KALEY CONNER
As in years past, photography will be the anchor of the Hays Arts Council's annual Winter Gallery Walk. The council will feature more than 170 pieces submitted for entry in the 26th annual Five State Photography competition.
But this year's event -- with a main show from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown Hays -- also will feature several new photography exhibits. The event will include displays at 19 local businesses.
"I'm very happy with the numbers and the diversity of what we've got, and the diversity of the places that are participating," said Brenda Meder, executive director of the HAC.
About 500 entries were submitted for the annual photography competition. While overall attendance usually is higher for the spring and summer events, many visitors travel to Hays to view the competition exhibition.
Art enthusiasts have traveled from as far as Colorado Springs, Colo., to see the exhibit, and residents from eastern Kansas already have made it known they plan to attend the winter event, Meder said.
"They really appreciate the enthusiasm and support and energy our community has for these kind of events," she said.
Short Go, 719 Main, will participate in the event for the first time. Another new stop on this year's itinerary is dv8 Design Gallery, 809 Main. Both will feature photography exhibits, and the gallery also will display the personal art collection of Caroline VonLintel.
The Rock Good Book Store, 1012 Main, will feature inspirational photography and verses by Donetta Robben and Wayne Billinger, a former Hays mayor, musician and community supporter who died Nov. 15.
The exhibit had been arranged a few weeks prior to his death, Robben said, noting it turned out to be a way to honor his memory.
"One thing about Wayne Billinger is he had multi-talents," she said. "He not only was a great musician and he could sing great and write great music, but he also had an eye for photography."
A fixture at many gallery walks, Madd Matter Frame Shop & Gallery, 112 E. 11th, will feature an unusual exhibit, "Nature vs. Nurture." Local artist John C. Thorns will display his work along with his daughter, Karen.
Another parent-child team, Darcy Haynes and her 4-year-old daughter, Payton, will display their photography. Darcy Haynes is a Hays native, and the family currently resides in Ohio. Both artists are expected to be present at Friday's event.
Overall the display is intended to showcase the uninhibited creativity of children and first-time artists, said Judy Hantla, who runs the business with her husband.
"It's for people, even as adults, to still try to be curious and allow yourself to be self-expressive and explore and use your imagination," Hantla said. "It's interesting to see what the world looks like through the eyes of a 4-year-old."
