112 E 11th . Hays, Kansas . 785-625-7522
MON-FRI 10AM - 4PM | SAT 10AM - 1PM
HAYS ARTS CENTER
exhibitions, programs & events
To the Stars - SLMM national Conference and Exhibition
To The Stars is the theme for the 2025 national exhibition and conference, being considered the perfect catalyst for the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media members to unleash their creativity. Their layered artwork reflects an imaginative exploration of our interconnected, holistic existence. Viewers are invited to see each piece as a vision of a future in harmony with the universe- one that reminds us the journey begins within. We dedicate this exhibition, TO THE STARS, to the late Mary Carroll Nelson, SLMM Founder.
To learn more about the Society of Layerists in Multi- Media, link to their website at www.slmm.org
Block Party on the Bricks
Join the Hays Arts Council for the launch of Block Party on the Bricks—a new community celebration in Downtown Hays featuring live music, art demonstrations, an online art auction and exhibit, plus great food and drinks.
Don’t miss All in Good ART, the online auction and exhibit showcasing donated works from local artists, open and on display at the Hays Arts Center, October 20–November 14.
Your ticket includes admission to the event. Food, drinks, and artwork will be available for purchase.
Five State Photography Exhibition
The 2025 Five State Competition is now open for entry. This annual photography exhibition is the result of submissions by photographers in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri & Colorado. John Finch will serve as juror, selecting 150 photographs for exhibition and determining cash awards totaling $1,500. 2025 competition info, fillable entry form & previous years' exhibitions available through 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
