The first week of May is Art Week at Barton Community College.
The community is invited to participate in a full week focused on various art forms, from performances to paintings and even sidewalk chalk.
Thespian Showcase – May 2
Witness the acting talent of Barton students first-hand at the free Thespian Showcase at 3 p.m. in the Shafer Art Gallery. Students will perform monologues, scenes, musical theatre, improvisation and original work for the public. Year-end awards will also be distributed, with a reception to follow. For more information, call 620-786-1187.
Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest – May 2-3
This competition, which features three $100 awards, is open to all Barton County residents. Participants should stop by the Shafer Art Gallery to pick up their chalk kit between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both May 2 and 3 to complete their work of art in front of the Fine Arts Building. Call 792-9260 for more information.
Endowment Music Concert – May 3
This annual concert, which features vocal and instrumental music groups, Hilltop Singers, Concert Choir, individual vocal soloists and ensembles and the Barton Jazz Ensemble, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Students enter free; admission for others is $5. All proceeds go toward Barton’s Music Endowment Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 792-9396.
The Irish Immigrant Experience Through Music – May 4
This free class provides an intriguing view of Celtic music, presented by Switchback, a musical duo that describes itself as having American roots and Celtic soul. The event is open to the public from noon to 1 p.m. May 4 in the Shafer Art Gallery. The two musicians, Brian Fitzgerald and Martin McCormack will perform their traditional and contemporary Celtic music once again at 7 p.m. at the Barton County Arts Center in downtown Great Bend.  For more info on Switchback, visit waygoodmusic.com. For more information about the event, call 792-9333.
Dance Theatre Concert – May 5
Come watch members of Barton’s dance class perform a variety of dance styles at the annual Dance Theatre Concert. Several of the participants are non-dancers who took the class to get out of their comfort zone. The event is free and open to the public, and starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. For more information, call 786-1139.
Exposure Time: Shafer Art Gallery Opening Reception – May 6
Cap off the week of activity with a stroll through the Shafer Art Gallery, during a free reception from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit, Exposure Time, is a juried photography exhibition featuring many area photographers. The event also features music, refreshments and a juror’s talk from professional photographer and seasoned photography judge, Stan Reimer. For more information, call 792-9242