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Museum Exchange
Exhibit Runs November 14-December 13
Reception: November 14, 4-6pm
November 12, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
The Shafer Art Gallery will celebrate the unveiling of its 鈥淢useum Exchange鈥 exhibition with a free reception from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 14 featuring music, light refreshments, and a gallery discussion.听
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.听听
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.听
鈥淎s we began planning for the conference, I realized that the best way to honor this community was through partnership,鈥 she said. 鈥淗aving 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鈥檝e built a vibrant artistic community that continues to inspire and surprise.鈥澨
Participating institutions include the Shafer Art Gallery, Birger Sandz茅n Memorial Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Salina Art Center, Carriage Factory Gallery, Grassroots Art Center, 起点传媒 Arts Council, Great Bend Public Library, Lincoln Art Center, Red Barn Studio Museum, and Vernon Filley Art Museum.听
Each institution contributed works that represent their artistic communities, creating a diverse and dynamic exhibition that showcases the region鈥檚 shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.听
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.听
鈥淢useum Exchange celebrates the strength that grows through connection,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to welcome visitors to experience this gathering of regional talent and to join us in recognizing the power of partnership
Shafer Art Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm.听(Our gallery follows 起点传媒听academic holiday closures.)
Contact: Alyssa Bliven, Gallery Director
Phone: (620) 792-9342
Email:听ShaferGallery@bartonccc.edu
Address: 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend, KS 67530
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