The 2014 Walking Tour in downtown turned into a chance for Salinans of all ages to stop and touch 26 new sculptures on Saturday.

The works made of steel, glass, and bronze gleamed in the sunshine and touched off conversations on the walkways where they’ll stand for the next 11-months during Sculpture Tour Salina 2014. “I think it’s great,” Kelly Rundell of Salina said pointing up at Transformer, a hulking robot-like hunter.

“The use of so many different parts keep you tracing back and forth to see the design.”

Others pointed to the exhibit as a chance to break out and celebrate the arts. “I love to see the people come out support this event,” Robin Cates said. “It’s a great showcase for Salina and how we feel about creativity.” Those who greeted the new sculptures also had a chance to enjoy a live soundtrack from the stage at Campbell Plaza with performances from Dru Davis, The Soul Preachers, Salina Community Theatre Vocal Artists and Cheer Fire.

The outdoor exhibit runs from May until April of 2015, with the public voting for “The People’s Choice Award.” The winning piece will then be relocated to a permanent site somewhere in Salina.

A new rotation of sculptures will be unveiled next May. Sculpture Tour Salina ballots can be found downtown near the crosswalks and deposited in one of six marked ballot boxes. Voting closes December 31, 2014.

Photos by Olivia Garretson