Eric Montoy, the festival's chief organizer, enthuses, "Our community is in for another amazing treat of art and culture." He goes on to share that this year will feature five artists who will bring to life five different locations in downtown Salina. Curated by Joe Iurato, the artists are selected based on their unique style, portfolio, and influence in the contemporary mural scene. Martha Cooper, the legendary photographer, will again be joining for her third year, capturing the magic of the festival.
First launched two years ago, the Boom! Salina Street Art & Mural Festival has since been a platform for the public to witness exemplary work from diverse artists, the murals from past years still enhancing the beauty of Salina's downtown area. The 2024 festival promises an even richer visual feast not to be missed.
Timeline of Events:
September 30th - October 5th – Artists will be painting at various locations in downtown Salina, and the murals will be in full swing. Mural locations will be announced at the start of the festival via social media.
October 4th - Join us at 6:30 PM at the Salina Art Center for 'First Friday'. The highlight of the day will be the 2024 BOOM! Salina Artist Panel Discussion and the Photography Show featuring the 2022 & 2023 BOOM! Salina works by Martha Cooper and Tanner Colvin. First Friday by Salina Downtown will also feature other live music and art galleries.
October 5th- Join us at Kid’s Creative Corners from 12pm -1:30pm with visual artist David Zinn and learn how he creates his whimsical creations using chalk, charcoal, and found objects. David will give a brief presentation followed by a chance to draw with the artist. Children of all ages are welcome, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Mark these dates and be a part of the 2024 Boom! Salina Street Art & Mural Festival to experience the magic of street art! Everyone is invited to this free event held in downtown Salina so, join us for what promises to be an incredible event. You can learn more about our 2024 lineup of artists here: www.boomsalina.art
2024 Artist Lineup:
Featured Artist: DAVID ZINN
Renowned for his enchanting and whimsical chalk art, David Zinn creates temporary street drawings that bring sidewalks to life with characters like Sluggo, a bright green monster, and Philomena, a flying pig. His art, composed entirely of chalk, charcoal, and found objects, is celebrated globally, from the streets of Michigan to the beaches of California and squares in Sweden.
Featured Artist: LEON KEER
A leading figure in anamorphic street art, Leon Keer crafts thought-provoking pieces that explore themes like environmental sustainability. His art, both playful and poignant, is a commentary on the beauty and degradation of the world, making him a global ambassador of street art with stunning works in Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Featured Artist: SEN2
Known for his dynamic graffiti that bridges pop art and urban aesthetics, Sen2 has a rich history of collaborations, including with iconic artists and celebrities. His work on canvas combines bold graphic lettering, 3-D elements, and vibrant colors, reflecting his roots in New York graffiti and his evolution into a fine artist admired worldwide.
Featured Artist: LIDIA CAO
A self-taught muralist from Galicia, Spain, Lidia Cao is recognized for her expressive figures and faces rendered in a predominantly monochrome palette. Her work captures human emotion with minimalistic lines and textures, and she continues to expand her artistic horizons in muralism, leaving a distinct mark wherever she paints.
Featured Artist: CURTIS HYLTON
Known for his lively and colorful murals, Curtis Hylton infuses public spaces with energy through his bold designs. His murals are characterized by their vibrant hues and intricate details, engaging viewers and transforming their surroundings into immersive experiences.
Featured Photographer: MARTHA COOPER
Martha Cooper is a documentary photographer who has specialized in shooting urban vernacular art and architecture for over forty years. In 1977, Martha moved from Rhode Island to New York City and worked as a staff photographer at the NY Post for three years. During that time, she began to document graffiti and B-Boying, subjects which led to her extensive coverage of early Hip Hop as it emerged from the Bronx. These photos, published worldwide, helped make Hip Hop the predominant international youth movement it is today.

Thanks to a great 2024 Show in Salina, the KKOA (Kustom Kemp of America Association) Leadsled Spectacular Car Show Owners, Jerry & Devona Titus have confirmed that they will return in 2025. The show will celebrate its 45th Anniversary July 24- 27, 2025. 

Traditionally, the KKOA Leadsled Spectacular event includes several iconic events such as a Thursday night cruise parade, the Friday thru Sunday car show in Oakdale Park featuring kool kemp cars, food vendors, chop demonstrations, retail vendors and live entertainment, Friday Night Drags, a Saturday Elvis concert and Sunday Awards. The highlight of course is hosting hundreds of beautiful custom cars and the visitors that drive and ride in them from throughout the United States and beyond.

For 19 years the Salina community has helped KKOA make the show a success. Hundreds of local volunteers, organizations, businesses and the city have provided volunteer hours, in-kind contributions and sponsorship of the show. The warm embrace and work of the community is what keeps KKOA returning.

Jerry Titus, KKOA President and show owner is excited to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the show in Salina, “I always say, Say Salina, Say Spectacular, because that is the truth. The Leadsled Spectacular is in the books for 2024, and it was what we call it SPECTACULAR! The weather cooperated and made for enjoyable days and nights. We had a large cruise down Santa Fe on Thursday night. We love what our show brings to Salina, Kansas. We had our Drags on Friday Night with a large crowd there. Restaurants were busy, motels filled. Everyone had a good time. KKOA loves bringing the show to Salina, Kansas. We used to move the Show around to different states, we found Salina, Kansas in the best location for our show. We are planning our 45th Annual Leadsled Spectacular in Salina, Kansas. Dates are July 24, 25, 26, 27, 2025. This has been in Salina, Kansas will be the 20th Year…”

​Tiffany Benien, Sports & Event Director for Visit Salina says, The KKOA Leadsled Spectacular Car Show has made a very positive impact on Salina over the last 19 years. It is something that Visit Salina, our volunteers and our businesses look forward to at the end of each July. We are pleased to announce and love that this Show will go on in July 2025.

This week, step into a world where automotive artistry and nostalgia converge at the annual Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) event. This renowned gathering is a haven for car enthusiasts, showcasing impeccably maintained antique cars and custom-built beauties that tell stories of a bygone era.

Held in various locations across the country, KKOA events are more than just car shows. They are vibrant festivals featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet the passionate car owners who have lovingly restored these vintage vehicles. From gleaming hot rods to elegant classics, each car is a testament to craftsmanship and dedication.
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Join us for a weekend of fun, excitement, and automotive excellence. Whether you're a lifelong car lover or simply curious about these rolling pieces of history, the Kustom Kemps of America event promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to witness these incredible machines up close and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and come celebrate the timeless charm of classic cars with KKOA!

​For the schedule and more information, please visit: ​https://www.kustomkempsofamerica.com/events.htm

Ken Spurgeon is a historian, teacher, producer/director, writer and Kansan. His film company, Fall River Productions, focuses on historically themed projects. Join Spurgeon as he discusses the challenges and rewards of filmmaking in Kansas. He will also share behind-the-scenes accounts of working with local and national actors as well as insights for those who want to follow in his path. Spurgeon will discuss what it is like to work with his sometimes cantankerous and always expansive star – the prairie of Kansas. His movies include Home on the Range, The Contested Plains and his most recent offering Sod and Stubble.
The Smoky Hill Museum is hosting this free presentation, Thursday, April 4, 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy the presentation in person at the Museum or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at www.smokyhillmuseum.org.
The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.
For needed accommodations, please call Nona Miller at 309-5776 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least 5 working days prior to the event.​

A new exhibit, Step Up to the Task, opens April 12 at the Smoky Hill Museum. This exhibit tells a story about trailblazing Salina women.

Stories of progress and the march toward gender equality are the basis of this latest exhibit. Women who pushed against the norm often found themselves experiencing discrimination. Some of these trailblazers played a crucial role in paving the way for progress. In Salina, just like in other communities, there are shining examples of women who made waves, opened doors and broke through glass ceilings.
Visitors will learn of the struggles and triumphs of six local Salina women who helped break down discrimination towards women in the workplace. They are:

• Lt. Dorothea A. LaFollette
• Rep. Cora Walker Shelton
• Amy Rasher
• Irene J. Nelson Carlson
• Bessie Ellis Caldwell
• Mary Virginia “Ginny” Zook Bevan

Step Up to the Task is an exhibit that is sure to inspire and hopefully spark discussion and raise questions. Come learn about the six Salina women whose emboldened strides opened pathways for future women and inspired our community

Hosted at the Wildlife Museum Conference Center, doors will swing open at 6:00 p.m., and the trivia extravaganza will kick off at 7:00 p.m. As this is a 21+ event, no babies or children will be allowed.

What makes Trivia Tails even more exciting? The fantastic prizes that await the victorious teams! First place will receive Zoo Brew Craft Fest tickets for the entire team, along with an exclusive VIP Table reservation. Second place will receive an unforgettable Animal Encounter experience for the entire team, and for third place each team member will receive a unique animal art piece to cherish.

Entry fee is $25 per team member, which includes 2 drink tickets and snacks. Non-Participant guest admission is $10 per person which includes delectable snacks. Cash bar will also be available.

With a limit of twelve teams and a maximum of six people per team, make sure to secure your spot in this brain-teasing adventure! Online registration is a must – visit rollinghillszoo.org to sign up and ensure your place in the Trivia Tails legacy.

Don't miss this chance to prove your trivia prowess, enjoy an evening of laughter and camaraderie, and potentially walk away with fantastic prizes. RHZ's Trivia Tails promises to be an unforgettable experience for all trivia enthusiasts!

About Rolling Hills Zoo
Rolling Hills Zoo, a 65-acre haven nestled in the picturesque Smoky Hills of Saline County, is located just 6 miles west of Salina. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo on the prairie has over 80 captivating animal species residing at the zoo. The Wildlife Museum, home to one of the world’s foremost collections of full mount animals from around the world has over 500 full mounts, showcasing 200 diverse animal species,
found within naturalist dioramas covering seven distinct ecosystems from around the world.

How do towns get lost … or die? Once gone, how are they found again? Sometimes, it’s while looking for one thing that we find another. ​