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New instructor brings expertise in fiber arts, skilled in multiple genres
new slt fiber artist
Alyssa Bliven poses with a fiber art sculpture she calls Portrait in Yellow. - photo by Photo courtesy of Barton Community College


It takes a person with a certain amount of natural creativity to sign up for a metalsmithing class and wind up learning to both sew and weld. That’s the level of creative license Alyssa Bliven has embraced throughout her career in art and art education, and so far it has served her and her students well. She said she has no intention to change her approach as Barton’s newest adjunct art instructor, which will have her teaching Fiber Art and Elementary Art.

She comes to Barton from Great Bend Middle School, where she taught art.

“I bring a lot of creativity because I use so many different materials in my own art practice, and I’m willing to see that in my classroom as well,” she said. “I also work in metal, ceramics and pretty much anything I can find.”

Her first day teaching at Barton is January 9, and it’s not too late for community members to enroll in her class. Those interested can get started at GoBarton.com until the last day for late registration, which is January 12. Bliven said she’s ready to get started teaching students to weave, sew, crochet, knit, embroider, spin and more. The emphasis will be on creating sculptures using the various fiber techniques.

“I’m excited to see what the students come up with,” she said. “I know I have one thing in my mind but they will come up with something completely different.”

Bliven got her start in fiber arts when she enrolled in a metalsmithing class at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

“They have a broad idea of what you can work in as a metalsmith,” she said. “So, I started sewing.”

Bliven is also on the Shafer Art Gallery calendar to display her work in August.



GBHS students bring home top honors at Job Olympics
job olympics team 2025
Great Bend High School students and teachers pose for a photo following the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays. From left: Brandi Suchy, interpreter and coach; Payton Edwards, 10th grade; Jamie Patton, 12th grade; MaKayla Cross, 11th grade; Faith Mead, 10th grade; Rhonda Glenn, special education teacher and coach; and Trish Berger, special education teacher, work Study coordinator and coach.
job olympics grocery packing
MaKayla Cross competes in a grocery packing event at the Job Olympics.

Four students from Great Bend High School put their skills to the test and brought home top honors during the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays.

Representing GBHS at this day-long event were students MaKayla Cross, Jamie Patton, Payton Edwards and Faith Mead. These outstanding students competed in a variety of hands-on events designed to build employability skills and boost confidence for future career success. Their hard work and preparation paid off with impressive results:

• 1st Place – Small Gas Engines, Rolling Silverware

• 2nd Place – Sorting Recyclables, Kids Meals Packaging

The Job Olympics provides students with opportunities to practice real-world job tasks, connect with employers, and engage in meaningful social experiences. The event aims to build motivation to learn job skills, improve social interactions, foster new friendships, and develop self-confidence. Participants also receive valuable feedback on their personal employability skills.

“The students not only gained practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives, but also built friendships with students from other schools and communities,” shared Trish Berger, Vocational Program Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at GBHS. “It’s inspiring to see their growth and enthusiasm during this event.”

Accompanied by three dedicated coaches, the GBHS team embraced every opportunity the Job Olympics had to offer, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude in each competition. Events like these reinforce the importance of community partnerships and showcase the talents and abilities of students with special needs.

For more information about the vocational programs at Great Bend High School, contact Trish Berger at 620-793-1521.

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Payton Edwards competes in the grocery stocking event at the Job Olympics.