New Staff Member and Committee Appointment Round Out Salina Arts Committee

The City of Salina's Community Art and Design Committee welcomed new faces at its October 20 meeting, following staff departures announced the previous month.

Heather Mettlen was introduced as a new staff member. She said she previously worked as a youth program coordinator for the Salina Public Library and has spent recent years teaching preschool, citing a background in education and programming.

The committee also confirmed Meghan Hessman as an official member, filling the practicing artist role. Hessman said she owns an art studio, Sunflower Follies, with her family, and moved to Salina in 2019 after growing up in Clay Center. "I'm really excited to be on this committee because I really appreciate what you all do," she said.

A committee leader noted that the group is now "back to a full committee," though one member, Andrea, was absent for the month.