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.
Upcoming Exhibitions
All exhibitions in the Trusler Gallery of the Emporia Arts Center are free to the public.
Gallery Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Gallery Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
You can also take in the Jones Hallway Gallery. Learn more here.
Interested in Showing in the Trusler Gallery?
Shaping The Future – A Young Artist’s Exhibition | July 11th – July 26th
Artist Reception | July 11th · 5:00 – 6:00 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.
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.
Annual ESU Student Art Exhibition | April 4 – 26, 2025
Artist Reception | April 4, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM
ESU art students participate in a professional gallery submission and juried show in the exhibition. Students may submit up to three pieces, and then those pieces are chosen by a juror to be in the Trusler Gallery; pieces that are not chosen go into the Salon de Refuses at Trox Gallery & Gifts. Awards are given for Best in Show and Honorable Mention.
Vintage Vibes – Amanda Fowler & Jane Markowitz
March 7th – 29th, 2025
Join Jane and Amanda as they showcase their love for antiquing and all things vintage in this unique exhibition. Blending ceramics, photography, and mixed media/collage, the show captures a harmonious mix of old-world charm and natural beauty. This exhibition highlights the creative synergy of two local artists who find inspiration in the past, nature, and the artistry of everyday life. Their antique-inspired pieces are rich in texture, layered with visual intrigue, and infused with a distinct vintage aesthetic. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience their captivating collaboration!
Viewing Emporia
Lyon County History Center + Local Artists
10 January 2025 — 1 March 2025
Another collaborative show between Lyon County History Center and the Emporia Arts Center, this exhibition cast a spotlight on the past reflected next to the future. All historical photos were on loan from LCHC, and local photographers provided the current photos. This one honored the very heart of Emporia!
Holiday Art Gifts
23 November 2025 – 21 December 2025
23 November 2025 – 21 December 2025
Once a year, the Glazer art store expands into the Trusler gallery, becoming one gigantic holiday art store, extravaganza! With the talents of over 100 local and regional artists, guests found unique gifts and soaked up some local flavor. We had holiday gift-giving covered from ceramics to ornaments and woodcraft to paintings. Thanks to all of our artists who participated and those who supported local artists in our community.
Annual Veterans Art Exhibition
1 November 2025 – 16 November 2025
Emporia is the founding city of Veterans Day and to celebrate those who served our country, we are honored to display their creative talents each year. This is a juried show, and awards are given to first, second, and third places and a people’s choice award. Thank you to all Veterans who participated in this year’s show. More importantly, thank you for your service.
