The Shafer Gallery will host the “McKown Masquerade Ball” for guests ages 21 and over featuring a costume contest, live music, hors d’oeuvres and fine wine at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Gallery, and the event also serves as a kickoff party for the “Friends and Acquaintances” Community Art Exhibit, which is underwritten by the Bill J. McKown Memorial Endowment and distributed by the Golden Belt Community Foundation.

Admission is free, but due to alcohol being served, guests must RSVP by phone at 620-792-9342 or via email at shafergallery@bartonccc.edu.

This will be the first show for new Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven, and she said this exhibit is a chance to let community members showcase their talents in a professional gallery setting. The show consists of 2D and 3D entries, and a wide range of local artists’ work will be on display from Oct. 20 through Nov. 18.

“I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the art being created in and around the Barton Community and bringing it all together is a fantastic way to begin my tenure,” she said. “This year’s exhibition has a unique twist; we’ve extended invitations to artists who have previously showcased their work in the gallery, as well as some talented Barton locals who have never exhibited before. The result will be a captivating blend of both professional and hobbyist artists, all producing exceptional art.”

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at shafergallery@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9342.