A Message from Misty | March 25, 2020

As the doors of Salina Art Center and Cinema have temporarily closed, we are still rushing to fill a critical and urgent need by providing social connection and a creative outlet via our online platforms. I love that so many of my friends and acquaintances are turning to the museum field to help combat their isolation. They are looking to art exhibitions, history museums, science and nature centers to fill the void. I see many of them dusting off artistic hobbies and taking time to discover new artistic skills. My greatest hope is that when things get “back to normal,” we will remember that we turned to the arts and to museums to help us engage our minds and souls through difficult times.

We are doing what we can to continue to spark connections and curiosity through contemporary art and culture, even now as we work to bring the Salina Biennial: Contemporary Art from the Mountain Plains Region to you digitally. We hope to have highlights of participating artists, activities to accompany art pieces, and even a system to “check out” needed art supplies that you might not have access to at home very soon.

Now is the time to stay connected in every way we can. We want you to share your photos and/or video of your artistic endeavors while you are at home. Share a video of you talking about your favorite art piece at home and why you love it or the artist. Share a video of your kids working on an art project along with instructions of how others can do the same thing. We want to share your photos and videos on our social media to help generate conversations and actions inspired by art. You can send your videos and photos, along with your permission to use them and any story elements you chose to include, to story@salinaartcenter.org. If approved, we will post your content on our social media along with opportunity for discussion.

Finally, I must share that the Salina Art Center is losing approximately $2,500 per week in valuable income that enables us to continue bring quality art experiences to you and your family. We appreciate any donations you can make to help us get through this extremely difficult time.  Your support now ensures that when we do reopen our doors, we are able to maintain our commitment to quality, significant, and relevant films, exhibitions, and experiences with contemporary art.

Thank you, stay safe, and take good care,

Misty Serene

Interim Executive Director , Salina Art Center, Inc.