112 E 11th . Hays, Kansas . 785-625-7522
exhibitions, programs & events
Let’s Wrap It Up – For the Heart of Hays!
Support local arts and enter for a chance to win this stunning “Exploding Heart Quilt” created and donated by Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio LLC! Currently on display at 1010 Main
$10 each OR 3 for $25
Purchase your tickets NOW through Dec 6th at:
The Hays Arts Center, 112 E 11th St OR Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio, 1012 Main St
All proceeds benefit the Heart of Hays Campaign through the Hays Arts Council. Let’s keep the creativity flowing in our community!
Five State Photography Exhibition
The 2025 Five State Competition opens to the public on December 6th as the anchor for the Winter Art Walk, 10am - 4pm.
This annual photography exhibition is the result of 648 photo submissions by photographers in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri & Colorado. John Finch the juror, selected 150 photographs for exhibition and determined cash awards totaling $1,500.
Info and Schedule of events coming soon at the link below.
"for the Heart of Hays"
A capital campaign is underway to renovate and expand the physical operations of the Hays Arts Council, which include the current Hays Arts Center building at 112 E. 11th and the HAC Annex at 1010 Main. For information on the project and ways to participate, follow the link below.
Membership Matters!
Membership has always been the foundation of the HAC's existence and we would be honored to include you as we continue our commitment of cultural service with community art walks, exhibitions, family theatre experiences, classes, school programming, cultural resources, and more!
Smoky Hill Art Exhibition
The 2025 annual juried exhibition was curated by Jay Nelson, who selected the exhibited 57 works from 276 entered by Kansas artists, & awarded $3,000 in cash prizes. Gallery & works images, the juror's statement, and scenes from the Spring Art Walk, at the link below. The 2026 Smoky Hill will be announced in early January.
"A Quiet America" & "Back to Hays"
The 1976 Swiss documentary on Hays, Kansas is now available for viewing, as is the 2015 sequel produced by one of the original filmmakers
major operations & program support
