What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 8:30pm Tuesday 9am - 8:30pm Wednesday 9am - 8:30pm Thursday 9am - 8:30pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Derby Arts Council at the Derby Public Library

Name: Derby Arts Council at the Derby Public Library
Address: 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS, 67037, US
Telephone: +13167880760

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Derby Arts Council at the Derby Public Library

Our goal is to encourage, promote and foster appreciation, participation and support for the arts.

09/02/2026

In tribute to America’s milestone 250th anniversary, the Derby Arts Council and Derby Public Library are thrilled and deeply honored to present "Celebrating Valor & Vision: Local Veteran Art Exhibition." Running from September 1 through October 22, 2026, this extraordinary show brings together a powerful, diverse collection of original two- and three-dimensional masterworks crafted by our local military veterans.

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to host these exceptional artists and showcase their incredible talents. The exhibition serves as a heartfelt salute to the creative spirit, resilience, and unique perspectives of those who have served our nation.

Displayed throughout the library’s Gathering Space Gallery and lobby display cases, the show highlights an impressive range of artistic disciplines:

• Featured Highlight: A magnificent, sculptured bust of General Douglas MacArthur, expertly crafted by veteran artist Phil Lovchik
• Fine Art & Design: Vibrant oil and acrylic paintings, intricate sketches, dynamic mixed media compositions, and evocative fine-art photography
• Craft & Sculpture: Custom hand-forged blacksmithing, detailed woodworking, and intricate fiber

Having these compelling pieces grace our gallery walls and display cases is a true privilege for our entire community. Every artwork tells a story, offering visitors an intimate look at the vision and skill that define our local veteran community.

To celebrate these remarkable creators, the public is warmly invited to attend a festive Artist Reception on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This special evening will feature light refreshments, an opportunity to meet the artists in person, and a captivating live musical performance by popular musician Handpan Dan.

"We are bursting with excitement to share these breathtaking pieces with the public," said Tami English. "It is an absolute honor to shine a spotlight on our local heroes, celebrate their artistic gifts, and express our immense gratitude for their service and dedication to our country."

08/19/2026

Third Thursday... where art meets fun in Derby!

08/06/2026

🎨 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Nancy Luttrell 🎨

Photos simply can't capture the full magic—you have to see these in person! Next time you’re at the library, make sure to step into the Gathering Space Gallery to experience the breathtaking watercolor mastery of Nancy Luttrell.

Nancy’s ability to manipulate light, shadow, and architectural detail through transparent watercolor washes is nothing short of captivating. Up close, these two featured works feel almost alive:

🕯️ "Guiding Light": Prepare to be transported into a scene of quiet, timeless elegance. In person, you can trace the incredible warmth radiating from the ornate figurine lamp, highlighting the fine grain of the grand wooden staircase, the delicate stained-glass glow above, and the rich texture of the woven carpet runner. Nancy’s dramatic use of deep shadows and soft light gives this piece a cozy, immersive depth you'll want to stand in front of for minutes on end.

☂️ "Umbrella Fun": Step into a sunny, joy-filled day! This vibrant streetscape features a canopy of rainbow umbrellas suspended overhead, casting playful, translucent shadows along a charming historic alleyway. Up close, the brilliant interplay between crisp sunlight, lush potted greenery, and glowing color reflections across the building facades creates an uplifting energy that will instantly put a smile on your face.

Computer screens and phone monitors just don't do justice to the delicate paper textures, subtle color transitions, and intricate brushwork Nancy achieves.

Drop by the Gathering Space Gallery during regular library hours to see "Guiding Light" and "Umbrella Fun" in all their full-scale detail!

08/04/2026

🌺 HIGH WALL GALLERY SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Keyser 💜

We are back in the High Wall Gallery celebrating another captivating gel plate monotype by local printmaker Kelly Keyser!

Featured here is "Evening Bloom"—a dreamlike piece layered with soothing shades of violet, lavender, and cool indigo. Kelly's masterful layering technique builds incredible depth, giving the illusion of a quiet garden glowing softly at dusk. The delicate botanicals, silhouettes, and subtle speckled details invite you to slow down and take a closer look. 🌿✨

Stop by the library during regular hours to experience "Evening Bloom" and the rest of Kelly’s printmaking collection up close!

07/31/2026

🍓 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jan Butler 🎨

We have not one, but two stunning reasons from Jan Butler to visit the Gathering Space Gallery! - "Berry Sweet" & "More Tea Please"

Jan brings a joyful energy to our gallery with pieces like "Berry Sweet". This delightfully vibrant watercolor features green market baskets overflowing with ripe, juicy strawberries, delicate blossoms, and crisp leafy greens against a playful patterned backdrop. 🍓✨

In a completely different, equally captivating mood, Jan also presents "More Tea Please." This cozy still life features a perfect cup of tea sitting alongside stacks of vintage books and a beautifully embroidered linen, capturing a quiet, timeless moment. ☕📚

About the Artist: Jan’s creative journey culminated in a Studio Arts degree from Wichita State University. Her diverse career ranges from restoring historic beauty through gilding and stenciling at Wichita’s St. Anthony’s Church, to teaching watercolor and crafting handmade boxes alongside her artist husband, James.

Come visit the Gathering Space Gallery during library hours to experience Jan’s artwork up close!

📍 Location: Gathering Space Gallery | Derby Public Library

07/28/2026

✨ Featured Artist Spotlight! ✨

Have you had a chance to check out our High Wall Gallery exhibition yet? We’re thrilled to showcase the beautiful gel plate monotypes of artist Kelly Keyser!

Featured here is "The Night Watcher"—a mesmerising print featuring a sharp-eyed feline surrounded by stars and swirling nocturnal textures. The layered colors and intricate detail created through gel plate printmaking make this piece truly one of a kind. 🐱🌌

Drop by the library to experience Kelly's artwork in person!

Address

1600 E. Walnut Grove
Derby, KS
67037

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 8:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 8:30pm
Thursday	9am - 8:30pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+13167880760

Website

https://derbylibrary.com/events/exhibits

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