PLUS: FREE “ETHEREAL” ARTIST TALK & HANDS-ON ACTIVITY ON MARCH 13, 2026
The Smoky Hill River Festival is proud to announce that Prairie Works Design will join the community for our 50th Festival celebration with “Community Tangle.” The large-scale communal art installation and participatory performance invites festivalgoers to create side-by-side over the course of the Festival, taking place in Oakdale Park from June 11–14, 2026.
During the three-day Festival, “Community Tangle” will evolve in real time, its final form shaped by the collective effort, play, and joy shared by the team of artists and everyone who chooses to participate. The completed piece will stand as a visual representation of community connection and creativity built over the 50-year history of the Smoky Hill River Festival.
“Community Tangle” invites participants to co-create a communal structure using natural materials and hands-on collaboration. Construction materials will include branches, vines, twine, grass, cattails, and other natural materials, with the materials themselves used to bind and secure the forms.
Festivalgoers of all ages are encouraged to take part at any point during the Festival, whether contributing for a few minutes or returning throughout the weekend to help the work transform.
In preparation for the Festival, Ann Zerger, Chip Parker and Timothy Parker in collaboration with Salina Art Center will be leading an adult class 18+, “Ethereal Artist Talk & Activity on March 13th, 2026, from 6PM to 8PM at the Salina Art Center Warehouse,149 South 4th Street, Salina, KS, 67401. This program is free to attend and will feature a hands-on activity made from natural materials that will eventually be incorporated into the “Community Tangle” installation at the Smoky Hill River Festival.
No experience needed, all materials will be provided, RSVP is not required but highly encouraged. RSVP using the following link: https://bit.ly/408arWW
For needed accommodations, please call Amanda Morris at Salina Arts & Humanities at 785-309-5770 Monday – Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days prior to the event.
Salina Arts & Humanities, a department of the City of Salina, has served a unique role as an arts advocate and resource partner since 1966. The Smoky Hill River Festival, Horizons Grants Program, Smoky Hill Museum, Arts Infusion Program in schools, Community Art & Design, and Creative Connections are among the programs of Salina Arts & Humanities, located at 211 W. Iron Avenue in Salina.
