Current Exhibition
Friends & Acquaintances
September 11 - October 30, 2026
Reception: September 11, 4:00–6:00 PM
The Shafer Art Gallery’s annual Friends & Acquaintances Exhibition celebrates the creativity and diversity of artists from across Kansas. This year’s exhibition brings together work by 41 artists in a wide range of styles and media, offering visitors an opportunity to experience familiar favorites alongside artists showing at the Shafer for the first time.
For 2026, the Gallery expanded its invitation process by opening submissions to artists throughout the state. The result is a vibrant collection that highlights both established and emerging talent while creating new connections among artists, audiences and communities.
This year’s featured artist is Gracie Bronson, whose work is presented as a special highlight within the exhibition.
Friends & Acquaintances will be on view from September 11 through October 30, 2026. Admission is free.
Friends and Acquaintances
September 11 – October 30
Reception: September 11, 4:00–6:00 PM
Entries for the 2026 Friends & Acquaintances Exhibition is due August 24 at 10:00 AM.
Eligibility: Must be a Kansas artist to enter.
Drop-off: August 21–30 at the Shafer Art Gallery.
Glenn Zweygardt & Michael Jilg
November 13 – December 12
Reception: November 13, 4:00–6:00 PM
Previous Gallery
Fierce Planets
A SAQA and Johns Hopkins Wavelengths Exhibition June 12 – August 15 Reception: June 12, 4:00–6:00 PM From space, Earth looks like a shimmering gem suspended in an inky, infinite expanse. But this serene image masks the magnificent and volatile interior forces that make life possible on its surface. The placid appearances of our neighboring planets similarly belie their powers and science fiction-worthy features. A diverse group of 42 artists from 11 countries present their views of the universe in this fascinating collection of contemporary quilt and textile art. Fierce Planets is a collaboration between Studio Art Quilts Associates and the Johns Hopkins Wavelengths™ research communication program. Artists drew inspiration from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Distinguished Professor Dr. Sabine Stanley’s work in planetary science and her book, What’s Hidden Inside Planets?
Shafer Art Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. (Our gallery follows Barton academic holiday closures.)
Contact: Jenna Harbaugh, Gallery Director
Phone: (620) 792-9342
Email: ShaferGallery@bartonccc.edu
Address: 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend, KS 67530
facebook.com/shafergallery