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.
Cally Krallman
Endless Horizons
On Display | May 1 – 20, 2026
Artist Reception | May 9, 2026 | 1 PM to 3 PM
Cally has been painting in the Midwest, both plein air and studio, for over 30 years. Her work has been featured in over 70 solo and group exhibits, both nationally and internationally, including The Salon International and Art in the Embassies Program – both in Tblisi, Georgia and Moscow, Russia.
Krallman typically paints the prairie, loving the poignant sunsets and sunrises that define the prairie. Having grown up on a farm in northwest Kansas, it gave her a unique perspective on the energy of the landscape. A 4th generation farmer, it may be in her DNA! She paints in both acrylic and oil paints.
Cally received a BFA in 1981 from Washburn University, Topeka, KS, and received a WU Fellow Award in 2015 in Topeka, Kansas. A Signature member American Women Artists, associate member of the Oil Painters of America, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, and DAR National Women’s Art Award 2021.
Her show will be oil and acrylic landscapes paintings depicting the vast and diverse land/water features throughout the state of Kansas.
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.
2026 – 2027 Gallery Shows Coming Soon
Past Exhibitions
Nancy Pontius
Making Space
Scenic Space, Emotional Space, Spiritual Space, and the space I am finally claiming for myself!
On Display | March 6 – 28, 2026
Artist Reception | March 6, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
A lifetime of making.
A moment of return.
An invitation to pause.
This exhibition brings together a lifetime of creative work in theatre, design, teaching, and studio art, reflecting a journey of making space — for others, and now for myself.
Angie Pickman
Cut from Nature
On Display | February 6 – 28, 2026
Artist Reception | February 6, 2026 | 5 PM to 6 PM
Angie Pickman, Lawrence, KS, is known for her intricate and whimsical paper cuttings that often depict natural landscapes, flora, and fauna, blending elements of folk art with contemporary themes. Utilizing a meticulous hand-cutting technique, her work showcases detailed silhouettes and engaging narratives that reflect a deep appreciation for nature and storytelling.
Pickman’s use of negative space and layering creates a striking visual impact, drawing viewers into her imaginative world. Her pieces often evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to the environment, celebrating both the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.
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.
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
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.
Hollowness: 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.
“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.
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.”
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.
The Emporia Arts Center thanks Lyon County State Bank for generously sponsoring this vibrant community event.
