COLBY — The Jan. 31 Colby Community College Thirsty Thursday art show will feature large sculpture by Fort Hays State senior art student Ashley Smith and works by Colby High School advanced art students. The exhibition will be open from 6-8 p.m. in the Cultural Arts Center gallery.

Originally from Hays, Smith has been influenced by Vincent Van Gogh, Claes Oldenburg, FHSU professor Toby Flores, and current FHSU graduate student Kurt Breshears.

“I love the fluidity of Van Gogh’s work, and try to replicate those movements in my sculptures,” Smith said. “I enjoy Toby’s flexibility in his works, from humor to large scale, and everything in between. His blacksmithing skills are admirable, and he is a very down-to-earth professor. I admire the size sculpture that Claes Oldenburg creates on everyday objects. I strive to follow him in size, but with works that reflect myself more so. And I admire Kurt’s work because he is creating big works in the studio under the same intentions that I am.”

Refreshments will be served at the come-and-go event.

Thirsty Thursday is hosted the third Thursday of each month during the academic year by the CCC art department. There is no admission charge.