The Shafer Art Gallery will celebrate the unveiling of its “Museum Exchange” exhibition with a free reception from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 14 featuring music, light refreshments, and a gallery discussion.
The collaborative exhibition unites 11 art institutions and four community partners in a shared celebration of creativity, cooperation, and community spirit. The show will run through Dec. 13.
Shafer Art Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the idea for the exhibition was inspired by preparations for co-hosting the Kansas Museums Association Conference, which will be held this November.
“As we began planning for the conference, I realized that the best way to honor this community was through partnership,” she said. “Having lived in other parts of the country, I can confidently say this area of Kansas is unique in the number of art institutions it sustains. Together, they’ve built a vibrant artistic community that continues to inspire and surprise.”
Participating institutions include the Shafer Art Gallery, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Salina Art Center, Carriage Factory Gallery, Grassroots Art Center, Barton Arts Council, Great Bend Public Library, Lincoln Art Center, Red Barn Studio Museum, and Vernon Filley Art Museum.
Each institution contributed works that represent their artistic communities, creating a diverse and dynamic exhibition that showcases the region’s shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.
Bliven said the exhibit is being presented in partnership with the Kansas Museums Association Conference, co-hosted by the Shafer Art Gallery and the City of Great Bend. The exhibition and conference together encourage visitors, artists, museum professionals, and community members to explore how art and collaboration strengthen cultural life across Kansas.
“Museum Exchange celebrates the strength that grows through connection,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience this gathering of regional talent and to join us in recognizing the power of partnership.”
The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at shafergallery@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.|