Amado
Espinoza and Karen Lisondra are in
residency on November 7 and 8 in
Salina area schools through the Arts
Infusion Program of Salina Arts &
Humanities. The residency includes
a community performance, which is
free and open to the public, at
Theatre Salina, 303 E Iron Ave., on
Tuesday, November 8, from 6:30-
7:30 pm in the Sunflower Financial
Theatre.
Amado and Karen are returning
to Salina after performances on the
main stages and children’s stage at the 2019 and 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival.
Amado is a Bolivian artist who invites the listener to share a journey through his
innovative musical poetics. A master of African and Arabic percussion concerts, Amado
has been received with shouts of enthusiasm and a standing ovation. Karen grew up in
the Kansas City area and has traveled the world performing theatre, circus, and dance,
winning national awards for her work. The pair began working together and married in
Bolivia before moving back to Kansas City. The Arts Infusion program proudly
welcomes these talented, international folk musicians back to Salina.
The pair are the 2022-23 Arts Infusion Sharon Benson Visiting Artists. Sharon
Benson served as the Arts Education Coordinator for Salina Arts & Humanities from
1994-2014. During that time, Benson worked with local and nationally known artists to
develop programs to support the existing school curriculum. Her passion for the power
of arts education to present thoughtful, curriculum-based encounters between students
and the arts provided an excellent foundation for the Arts Infusion program. A teaching
artist is designated each year to provide educational programs and content that reflect
cultural diversity, while connecting the arts to new and established audiences in relevant
ways.
For needed accommodations, please call Amanda Morris at Salina Arts & Humanities at 785-
309-5770 between 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to
accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five
working days prior to the event