Emporia State University Art Department Student Show

Old Friends: A Cooperative Exhibition By Don Meyer & Dale Hartley

May 2 – 31, 2025

Artist Reception | May 2, 2025 | 5 PM to 6 PM

Don Meyer, an abstract painter, he studied at Emporia State University under esteemed professors like Rex Hall, Richard Slimon, while earning his BFA and MA. He earned his MFA at KSU and was drew inspiration from Judy Love – another professor. Having lived in the Flint Hills since 1980, Don’s work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty and serenity of the landscape, which has shaped his artistic vision and continues to inform his expressive style.

Dale Hartley, a passionate ceramics artist, also draws inspiration from the Flint Hills and her personal experiences. A lifelong lover of clay, Dale began her artistic journey as a child, influenced by her family’s creativity. She later became an art major and taught ceramics as a graduate assistant at Emporia State University. Dale’s ceramics are infused with textures and sands collected from her travels, each piece crafted with hand-rolled slabs and carefully fired to achieve unique color and depth.

Old Friends celebrates the lasting friendship between Don and Dale, highlighting how their shared love for the Flint Hills and artistic expression has shaped their work. This exhibition honors the enduring connection between painting and ceramics, offering a rich experience for art lovers and collectors alike.

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.

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.

You can also take in the Jones Hallway Gallery. Learn more here.

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.

Past Exhibitions

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

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.