Derby Arts Council at the Derby Public Library

10/15/2026

Head on out tonight for family fun!

Third Thursday is here!

Get ready for an exciting evening at Decarsky Park! Join us at 5 p.m. for a night full of fall fun, local shopping, great food, and family-friendly activities. Help us celebrate the opening of Decarsky Park Phase II with a ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m.

The Derby Chamber of Commerce and Derby Police Department will host a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot. This free activity is open to all ages and costumes are encouraged.

Dogs are invited into the ballfield complex for one night only! Bring your best-dressed pup for our Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, sponsored by El Paso Animal Hospital. Register online at derbyks.gov/costumecontest or check-in at the park between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Judging begins at 6:30 p.m.

Shop Derby Market vendors, pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, and grab dinner from the food and drink trucks.

Bring your family, dress up and get ready for a fun night at Decarsky Park. We can’t wait to see you there!

10/09/2026

Artist Spotlight: US Navy Veteran David Carter 📸⚓

We are excited to highlight the stunning photography of US Navy Veteran David Carter (1967–1993)!

David’s fascination with photography began at a young age, inspired by the brilliant, sharp, and colorful world images found in popular geographic magazines. Though work and family naturally took center stage during his younger adult years—at a time when photography required extensive gear and darkroom setups—his passion for visual storytelling never faded.

After retiring from his military and professional career, David finally had the time and freedom to dive headfirst into the craft. Through local camera clubs, digital resources, and self-guided learning, he fully embraced photography, expanding his skills across a wide range of subjects. Today, David captures everything from intricate tabletop macro close-ups to expansive landscapes, driven by his favorite aspect of the medium: there is always something new to learn.

Stop by the library to view David’s work in person, appreciate his keen eye for detail, and honor his service to our country!

10/08/2026

Artist Spotlight: US Army Veteran Michael Gray 🎨

We are thrilled to highlight the inspiring artwork of US Army Veteran Michael Gray (1968–1972)!

For Michael, creating art isn't just a passion—it's a lifelong journey. He has been drawing and painting as a hobby for as long as he can remember, drawing primary inspiration from the quiet beauty of nature. Beyond the canvas, art serves as a powerful personal tool for therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation.

Michael is also a dedicated champion for community art. He worked closely with the Junction City Arts Council for many years—including serving as president—where he helped develop free and reduced-cost art programs, lively community festivals, and accessible creative events for all.

While his primary mediums are acrylic paint, pencil, and pen, Michael’s creative curiosity spans watercolors, airbrushing, and various other 2D media.

Stop by the library to experience Michael's featured artwork in person and discover how art can heal, inspire, and bring communities together!

👉 Explore more of his impressive portfolio online: https://www.deviantart.com/michaelgray

10/07/2026

Honoring Our Heroes: Derby Community Quilters & Quilts of Valor 🧵

We are honored to feature two extraordinary works of textile art created by the talented Derby Community Quilters as part of our current exhibition!

More than just beautiful craftsmanship, these featured quilts represent a powerful mission of gratitude and healing through the Quilts of Valor initiative. Made with meticulous care and devotion, Quilts of Valor are handcrafted, high-quality quilts awarded to Service Members and Veterans touched by war, offering a tangible embrace of comfort, honor, and deep appreciation for their sacrifice.

Every stitch woven into these pieces carries a message of respect and heartfelt thanks from our local community to those who have served.

Stop by the library to view these striking quilts in person, admire the intricate stitching, and reflect on the meaningful mission behind the Derby Community Quilters' hands-on devotion to our nation's heroes.

10/06/2026

Honoring Service & Craftsmanship: Artist Spotlight on USAF Veteran Tony Glidewell 🪵🎨

We are proud to feature two remarkable pieces combining woodburning and painting by Air Force Veteran Tony Glidewell (USAF 1989–2010)!

Tony’s love for the craft began during childhood family trips to Silver Dollar City, where he spent hours mesmerized by the master woodworkers and carvers at work. That early spark grew into a lifelong creative passion. As a self-taught artist, Tony has mastered pencil drawing, painting, glass engraving, and intricate pyrography.

Deeply devoted to the soul of handmade art, Tony believes strongly in creations made by human hands and heart rather than machines. His signature works draw rich inspiration from Christianity, nature, and Native American heritage, reflecting a deep respect for heritage and the natural world.

Stop by the library to admire Tony’s craftsmanship in person, feel the texture and detail in every line, and celebrate the incredible talent within our veteran community!

09/25/2026

From our Veteran Art Show: LeeAnn Hashbarger, U.S. Army 1973-1976

Image 1: Nothing but Blue Skies - Handcrafted on a loom using a rich tapestry of diverse yarn types and shades, this woven fiber art piece suspended from a natural dowel brings a sense of calm, optimism, and serene reflection. The soothing interplay of deep navy, soft sky blues, crisp whites, and gentle grays evokes the open expanse of a quiet horizon after a storm. Looking at it offers viewers a grounding feeling of peace, warmth, and hope—a tactile reminder of bright, clear days ahead.

Image 2: Fields of Gold - Woven with rich textures, earthy greens, soft creams, and warm golden tones suspended from a rustic natural branch, this fiber art piece captures the serene essence of open landscapes at golden hour. Looking at it brings a deep sense of grounding, warmth, and nostalgia. The organic layers and plush textures evoke feelings of quiet comfort, connection to nature, and the peaceful solace of wandering through sun-dappled fields. A perfect little touch of harmony to bring warmth and tranquility into any room.

About the artist: LeeAnn Hashbarger’s journey to fiber art is as unique as her tapestries. Enlisting in the U.S. Army on her 18th birthday in 1973, she completed WAC basic training in Alabama before deploying to Fulda, Germany, in 1974. Serving two years as a lab technician, her unit focused on monitoring the Berlin Wall—a tour that included a close call when a fellow soldier pulled her back into a helicopter just as border guards targeted her for taking photos.

In 2022, LeeAnn took her first weaving class at the Hubbard Arts Center and instantly fell in love. Today, she channels that passion into exploring endless combinations of color, weight, and texture, weaving diverse yarns into rich, emotive works of art.

09/24/2026

From our Veteran Art Show:

Barney Tull has been capturing stories through a lens ever since junior high. His lifelong love for photography carried into his military service as an Army photo interpreter, leading to work with intelligence agencies, Air Force photo labs, and seven years as a master instructor for the Army and Air Force. After his military career, Barney kept his camera close while working at Boeing, and since 2005, he has been photographing the Derby community. His work has appeared in magazines, local papers, calendars, and Kansas photo contests. Passionate about passing on the craft, Barney has taught photography at the DRC, McConnell AFB, the Derby Senior Center, and his church—always guided by the belief that every photograph tells a story.

Photo 1: 58220 - Photographed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this piece is a dual-exposure composite blending the bronze figures of The Three Servicemen directly against the etched granite of the Memorial Wall. Its title, 58220, serves as a quiet memorial to each of the 58,220 U.S. service members killed during the Vietnam War.

Photo 2: Margaritaville - Taken along the docks in Dunedin, Florida, photographer Barney Tull processed this vibrant scene in Topaz Studio using a blend of custom-altered presets. The result is a uniquely artistic look at a quiet coastal harbor.

09/23/2026

Thank you The Derby Informer for shining a light on our Veteran artists. This article is fantastic - we encourage everyone to read it!

On display now through Oct. 22, the Derby Arts Council has a special exhibit up at the Derby Public Library.

09/21/2026

Scenes from a Reception: Honoring Our Veteran Artists

Ever wondered what actually happens at a Derby Public Library art reception?

It’s a mix of lively conversation, community gathering, and local talent. At our "Celebrating Valor & Vision" Veteran Art Show reception, the gallery space came alive as neighbors, artists, and families gathered to explore a powerful collection of artwork created by military veterans.

Guests enjoyed live background music while strolling through the display, chatting directly with the artists about their creative processes, and sharing refreshments. Receptions like these are open to everyone—a relaxed evening to celebrate creativity, connect with local artists, and see the library gallery at its finest.

09/17/2026

Help us give a big thanks to Paulina Valencia, Mark Ward and Mary Ward for their help creating gorgeous and fun interacting art at Third Thursday: Derby, KS. It was great to see the kiddos hopping, popping, spinning and doing a silly dance!