04/18/19
HAYS, Kan. – Artwork produced from a collaborative effort among Fort Hays State University students and clients of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be on display and up for sale for about a month at the Hays Public Library.

The project – started by Amy Schmierbach, FHSU professor of art and design – is based on the model of Socially Engaged Art, which seeks to create art with communities for their benefit and for the benefit of public arts.

A ribbon cutting to feature the art project is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at DSNWK Employment Connections, 660 Commerce Parkway, Hays. The artwork then will go on display  at the library, beginning with Hays’ Spring Gallery Walk on Friday, April 26. An opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. during the gallery walk.

Schmierbach and FHSU students collaborate and create art with clients served by DSNWK, providing workshops for structured art experiences revolving around weaving, drawing and photography. The goal of the project is to expand the arts in the Hays community to reach more individuals, specifically creating more opportunities.

Completed projects are being framed for sale. Funds from the sale of the artwork will go toward the continuation of the collaborative effort between Fort Hays State and DSNWK.

Tuesday’s agenda includes a short presentation about the artwork and speakers that will include: from DSNWK, a client and administrators; and from FHSU, President Tisa Mason, Professor Karrie Simpson Voth from the Department of Art and Design and students who helped with the project.

The Collaborative Art Project is funded by Kansas Creative Industries Commission Arts Integration Program-Innovative Partnerships, the National Endowment for the Arts, DSNWK and FHSU Undergraduate Research Grant.