Hays Public Library
Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. will have an encore presentation of the short film “Turning Points” at 7 p.m. Thursday. The film features influential moments in four Kansas communities — Hays, Ulysses, Olathe and Kinsley. Hays’ turning point story, “The Art of Change,” depicts the unique story of the Hays Arts Council.
The Hays Public Library submitted an application for the short film project to the Kansas Humanities Council in 2013 Luci Bain, the Kansas Room librarian at the HPL, worked with the KHC and the Hays Arts Council for over a year to produce this video.
The film originally premiered on Oct. 17 at the FHSU Robbins Center. Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. co-sponsored the event; Gella’s provided patrons with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and famous Gella’s beer. Approximately 100 people attended the premiere.
“The Art of Change” shows the start of the Hays Arts Council during the 1960’s. Filming took place during the HAC Spring 2014 Art Walk; numerous community members can be seen enjoying the art. The film also features interviews with Brenda Meder, Darell McGinnis, Kris Kuksi, Pete Felton, Denis Schiel, and John C. Thorns Jr. “The Art of Change” is dedicated to the late John C. Thorns Jr.
Not only does “Turning Points” highlight the Hays community, but three other communities in Kansas. Each film is about six minutes and gives an interesting insight to a turning point in each community. Turning Points tells the story of the Deaf Cultural Center in Olathe, the aftermath of high waters in Kinsley, and the culturally diverse community of Ulysses.Turning Points is supported by the Kansas Humanities Council through a generous gift from Suzi Miner in memory of Kansas historian Craig Miner.
The Hays Public Library, the KHC and Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. want to give the community of Hays another chance to celebrate the Hays Arts Council. The encore showing is free and open to the public. To find more information about the Turning Points project visit www.hayspublib.org. After premiere showing in all four communities, the HPL will have access to the production videos.