The Friends of the River is delighted to participate in Salina Arts and Humanities’ Arts Infusion, which provides us an opportunity to go into classrooms to teach area students about the Smoky Hill River using the arts.
K-2 grade students are educated and entertained as they learn about the river through storytelling and puppetry. Bella Beaver, Bartholomew Bullfrog, Edna C. Channelcat, and Mr. Great Blue Heron share about themselves and their habitat and while at the same time modeling positive social-emotional skills.
3-5 grade students celebrate Earth Day by creating a critter reusing recyclables and other objects from which they “clean” out of the “river.” Students also learn how trash gets in the river and how they can be a part of making the river a cleaner place.
Friends of the River is excited to have been selected as roving artists for Salina Arts and Humanities’ Smoky Hill River Festival since 2019. Experience the river as a colorful, moving work of art as the Friends’ 25 foot river puppet flows through the Festival. Bella Beaver, Bartholomew Bullfrog, Edna C. Channelcat, and Mr. Great Blue Heron also can be seen as they chat their way through the Festival grounds.
“Salina exists for only one reason. The Smoky Hill River. Beginning with a ferry across the river, to a trading post, to water powered mills, to a growing city, the history of Salina is irrevocably tied to the river. Now, with it’s renewal, it will be the jewel in the crown of downtown redevelopment, a source of civic pride, and an economic asset for the entire community.”
Mike Mattson
“I envision a revitalized river where we can gather with friends and family, creating new memories – kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. This project isn’t just about revitalizing a river; it’s about bringing life and joy to Salina, and I’m wholeheartedly behind it!”
Rafael Mendez - V.P. of Customer Culture, Blue Beacon, Inc.
“Living along the river in Downtown Salina has been a wonderful experience for my family. Getting up in the morning, watching the wildlife, and hearing the river flow when it rains makes us feel more connected to our environment. The river revitalization project will allow our community to strengthen and return to nature but also allow the wildlife that lives off of its resources to thrive.”
Elizabeth Ali-Schade - Director of Operations, Theatre Salina
