By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
A small town glow with big-time art. For the past four years, Larned's Hillside Art Show has been hosted at the former Hillside Elementary School. Even after that property was auctioned off in May, Dody Burkey knew she had to keep growing the art tradition in Larned. Now called Spotlight on Art, the show returns for a fifth year Friday and Saturday under the new downtown lights at City Hall, 417 Broadway, in Larned.
"A very, very high percentage of the professional artists return each year, and their numbers grow," Burkey said. "We still have the former and current director of the Shafer Gallery who participate, and the director of the Sandzen."
New this year, the executive director of the Deines Cultural Center and its Creative Design Artist join the mix. A number of award-winning and Best in Show winners from other contests will also have pieces on display in Larned.
"It's mind-boggling to have so many top-notch artists," said Burkey. "It's also a show for emerging artists and student artists. The pros love this. You never know when 'a star is born.'"
Non-profit Prairie Arts Unlimited has taken over the show, which has grown from 18 professional artists in 2018 to more than 30 this year. Spotlight on Art will also feature work from Larned High School and Middle School students, as well as from more than 50 fifth graders from Ft. Larned Elementary School. Executive Chef Erick Richards will again prepare hors d'oeuvres for the Friday evening reception.
"We still do not have an entrance fee" Burkey said. "We do not charge the artists to participate, and we take no commission on art sold. It's a win-win."
Friday night's reception runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall in Larned. The show resumes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
