SALINA – Programming expansions, including seven sold-out culinary classes featuring local chefs, and four national filmmakers participating in live-streamed Q&As after their movies aired at the Salina Art Center Cinema, are evidence of the success of renovations completed at the Salina Art Center.

A redesigned front entrance at the Art Center and expanded gift shop featuring the work of 38 artists – 31 from the Hansen Foundation service area – has also been popular.

The $1 million Building Creatively project included key infrastructure upgrades across the Art Center’s three building campus. The upgrades included the addition of a culinary arts kitchen to the Art Center and a T-Coil hearing loop in the cinema. A Hansen Foundation grant went toward replacement of three of the six HVAC units, enhancing air circulation, energy efficiency and humidity regulation to improve environmental conditions for artwork and patrons.

From August to December, of the 881 visitors recorded, 534 had traveled from more than 75 miles away.

Among them was a couple from Hays, who were in Salina for a medical appointment but visited the Art Center after being drawn in by the new signage while strolling downtown. After their visit, they sent a handwritten note praising the Art Center and its staff and saying they felt like they had “discovered something special.”