Gary O’Doniel | June 4- 28 , 2025
Artist Reception | June 5, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Gary is a watercolorist. He often paints from the bed of his truck en plein air or “to be in the open air.” Through his pieces, he captures the beauty and different states of the Flint Hills surrounding us. He also incorporates walnut ink, which he makes from the walnut wood on his land. This show encapsulates the region and what it means to be from the Flint Hills.
Shaping The Future – A Young Artist’s Exhibition
On Display | July 11th – July 26th
Artist Reception | July 11th | 5 PM – 6 PM
“Shaping the Future” is open to all children in Emporia and surrounding communities between the ages of 4 and 18. Submitting artwork that was created in the last year in the form of 2D & 3D pieces. This show is for the young artists in Emporia and surrounding communities to celebrate their art and have it displayed in a professional gallery.
A juror will choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each of the 4 age groups and cash prizes will be awarded during the opening reception.
Flora & Fauna of Kansas
A Collaborative Exhibition by the Emporia Camera Club and the Flint Hills Artist Guild
On Display | August 1 – 30, 2025
Artist Reception | August 1, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
This annual event brings together the creative talents of two vibrant community groups. In Flora & Fauna, each artist offers a unique perspective on life in Kansas and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Through photography, painting, or sculpture, this exhibition captures the essence of what it means to call the heart of the prairie “Home on The Range.”
“living-language-land” Inspired, A SAQA KS/MO/OK Regional Exhibition
On Display | September 5 – 27, 2025
Artist Reception | September 5, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
This traveling, collaborative exhibition is presented by Studio Art Quilt Associates from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Inspired by the national living-language-land project, this exhibit provides a platform for minority and endangered language holders to share words and stories that reflect their connection to land and nature. The goal is to expand the lexicon we all use to explore these relationships. In this unique interpretation, the artists have transformed these words into visual expressions through the medium of art quilting. This vibrant, one-of-a-kind exhibition speaks to our shared human experience and connection to the world around us.
Canvas Rhoads: Paintings by Kate
On Display | October 3 – 25, 2025
Artist Reception | October 3, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Kate Rhoads is an acrylic painter devoted to capturing the quiet beauty of the world around us. In this latest exhibition, Rhoads presents a new series of original acrylic works, marking a significant step in her artistic evolution. These paintings reflect her continued exploration of composition, while delving into the evocative concept of hollowness— what is present, what is missing, and the emotion that lives between the two.
Honoring Service Through Art: Veterans Exhibition
On Display | October 31 – November 12, 2025
Artist Reception | November 7, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Each year, the Arts Center proudly honors our nation’s Veterans by showcasing their creative talents in the Trusler Gallery—part of Emporia’s long-standing tradition as the Founding City of Veterans Day. This annual exhibition is more than a display of artistic expression; it is a tribute to those who have served, and a recognition of the vital role Veterans continue to play in our community. Through painting, photography, woodworking, and a wide array of mediums, these artists share their perspectives, stories, and skill—reminding us that service extends beyond the uniform. We are privileged to host their work and deeply grateful for both their creative contributions and their service to our country.
Holiday Art Gifts
On Display | November 22 – December 23, 2025
Holiday Open House | November 22, 2025 |
Members’ Breakfast 9 – 10 am & Open House 10 – 3 pm
It’s that magical time of year again—when our gallery fills to the brim with local and regional art, all wrapped in the glow of our gorgeous 20-foot Christmas Tree!
Looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind gift? From paintings to pottery, jewelry to woodwork—you’ll find it all (and more!) tucked throughout the gallery.
EAC Members get the holiday jumpstart with our sneak peek breakfast, followed by our always-festive Holiday Open House to kick off the community’s shopping season in style!
So come on down, feel the cheer, and put a little art under your tree this year!
From all of us at EAC—Happy Holidays & a Very Merry New Year
American at 250 Textile Show: A Collaboration Between the Emporia Arts Center and the Lyon County History Center
On Display | January 9 – 31, 2026
Artist Reception | January 9, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
The Lyon County History Center collaborates with us once more to merge history and art. In this iteration we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country through handmade textiles whether quilts, clothing or more. This is a national celebration, and each state will be doing a series of different events throughout 2026 to commemorate this unique celebration. The State of Kansas chose the words: Per Aspera 1776-2026. *Through Difficulties* Join us as we explore this idea of our countries striving through difficulties to hopefully and always through these times go to the stars.
Charlotte Nickel
On Display | February 6 – 28, 2026
Artist Reception | February 6, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Kansas-based abstract painter whose work is rooted in worship and spiritual encounter. Holding a BFA from Bethany College and an MA in Painting from ESU, she has taught at multiple colleges and exhibited nationally including a solo show at the Parthenon Museum and commissioned work for Starbucks Design. After surviving cancer in 2005, she dedicated herself fully to abstract expression. Her intuitive, Spirit-led process turns each canvas into a sacred space—alive with color, movement, and the presence of God.
Nancy Pontius
On Display | March 6 – 28, 2026
Artist Reception | March 6, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
A lifelong artist, educator, and learner. A retired professor of theatrical design at Emporia State University, she now spends her days creating, laughing, and sharing life with fellow artists. Her latest show blends her passion for scenery, collage, and printmaking—each piece a reflection of her journey, joy, and deep love for the arts. Always learning. Always laughing. Always creating.
Emporia State University Juried Student Exhibition
On Display | April 3 – 25, 2026
Artist Reception | April 3, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
This dynamic exhibition showcases a wide-ranging selection of artwork created by students in the Emporia State University Art Department. Each piece was selected by a guest juror from an open call of submissions, highlighting the creativity, technical skill, and conceptual strength of ESU’s emerging artists. Juror’s Choice and Honorable Mentions recognize outstanding achievement among the works on display.
In addition to the main exhibition, visitors are invited to explore the Salon des Refusés at Trox Gallery—featuring bold and thought-provoking pieces not included in the juried selection.
Join us in celebrating the next generation of artists and the vibrant spirit of ESU’s art community.
Harold Gaston
On Display | May 1 – 20, 2026
Artist Reception | May 1, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
A proud Kansas native, Harold finds endless inspiration in the quiet beauty of his home state. Rarely seen without a camera in hand, he is most at home outdoors—capturing the subtle drama of open skies, rural roads, and the landscapes that many pass by unnoticed.
Like many landscape photographers, Harold is drawn to a particular subject close to his heart: for him, it’s Kansas itself—especially its lesser-traveled paths. His work invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the richness of the familiar, the overlooked, and the enduring spirit of the Midwest.
Deon Morrow
On Display | May 28 – June 27, 2026
Artist Reception | June 5, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Deon is a passionate painter and community champion who believes deeply in the power of art to transform lives and environments. Rooted in Emporia, his vibrant work—seen in local businesses and public murals like Las Casitas Park—speaks to connection, change, and hope. With a background in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Deon combines creativity with leadership, serving on boards and founding House of Morrow, a space dedicated to nurturing artistic voices and empowering the community through art.
Past Exhibitions
Old Friends | Don Meyer + Dale Hartley | May 2 – 31 , 2025
Artist Reception | May 2, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
In this cooperative show, Don Meyer and Dale Hartley combine their friendship with their individual artistic viewpoint. Don is an abstract painter. He studied under the artist Richard Slimon at ESU, and living in the Flint Hills influences his artistic sensibilities. Dale is also a rural Flint Hills artist. She grew up in Wichita but has called the Flint Hills her home for the last 40 years. She builds her vessels by hand from slabs and other techniques. The idea of time plays into her pieces as well as the land. The combined thought of both artists emphasizes the natural world we live in.
