By KAREN MIKOLS

Hays Daily News

Gallery walks in Hays keep getting bigger and better -- and Friday's event is no exception.

"Seldom has the fall walk been bigger than the spring walk that preceded it," said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. "More people are getting enthusiastic about what art means to the community."

With 25 locations, there is something for everyone.

The council's new space at 1010 Main will feature a performance by the Western Kansas String Academy from 7 to 8 p.m., with art by Bruce Burkholder rounding out the artistic experience from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Burkholder's 4-by-8-foot painting "History Holds the Future" will be on display.

"It's still not completely done, but it's made significant strides since the piece was last on display," Meder said. The painting, which has been in the process for 20 years, is composed of 17 individual paintings, which are taken from local history.

"History Holds the Future" will be accompanied by the original drawing, as well as the photos he is using in the painting. Also at the location will be a collection of Burkholder's other paintings and photographs.

In the HAC's main gallery at 112 E. 11th will be art by Russell artist Doloris Pederson.

The bulk of her paintings are oil, with a few watercolors mixed in.

"Let's put it this way: All children paint," Pederson said. "I'm a child that never stopped."

The show will highlight the different areas she's lived and traveled, including California, Colorado, Kansas and Europe.

The remaining locations will contain some old favorites such as Cafe Semolino, 110 W. 11th, Emprise Bank, 1200 Main, and Salon Ten-0-Seven, 1007 Main, along with some relative newcomers such as Yoga Axis, 705 Fort, and Bildschon Haus, 1013 Main, and some new locations at Pedorthic Specialsts, 709 Main, and Alterra Sterling House, 1801 E. 27th.

The Alterra Sterling House will participate from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the same hours as Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

"I really want to encourage people to go to Alterra and support their creative expression," Meder said. "That part of the community exploring creativity -- it is important that we support it. I want to be sure people know to embrace it all."

Reporter Karen Mikols can be reached at (785) 628-1081, Ext. 143, or by e-mail at

kmikols@dailynews.net.