Derby Arts Council at the Derby Public Library

06/22/2026

Now in our High Wall Gallery: Stitched with Story: The Fiber Art of Karen Funcheon

Discover a captivating intersection of textile artistry and meticulous detail in this spotlight feature at the Derby Public Library.

While you may know Karen Funcheon for her exquisite watercolor work, this exhibition highlights her stunning versatility with her captivating lap quilt, Paper Dolls. This piece is a masterclass in patience and precision—look closely and you will see that each individual doll's face required two hours of dedicated, delicate painting to bring her unique character to life. Set against a beautiful, quilted backdrop of soft blues and intricate patterns, it is a brilliant testament to the hours of love and craftsmanship poured into fiber arts.

Come appreciate the depth, time, and storytelling woven into every single stitch.

06/22/2026

It's the last couple days to pop in and enjoy photographs from the Derby Photo Club and the Wichita Area Camera Club. Note: the show closes on Thursday late afternoon.

Here's a small example of the Kansas photographs on display:

06/18/2026

Rain or shine - the market goes on!

Derby Market doesn’t stop for Kansas weather! Whether it’s sunshine, wind, or a little rain, the market is on. Grab dinner from local food trucks, shop with 30+ vendors, and support small businesses right here in Derby. We’ll see you at the market from 5-8 p.m.

06/17/2026

From the Gathering Space Gallery: Meet Randy Fi**en, Wichita Area Camera Club

Experience the world through the lens of award-winning photographer Randy Fi**en. To Randy, photography isn't a competitive sport—it is a powerful way to capture and tell the story of a single, fleeting second in time.

This exhibition celebrates his incredible ability to freeze life's passing moments, from the high-octane grit of a rodeo arena to serene landscapes and striking abstracts. In featured pieces like Rounding the Turn, you can feel the dust, adrenaline, and intense focus of a split-second beautifully suspended in motion.

Come discover a stunning collection of visual narratives that invite you to slow down and experience the extraordinary details of the world around us.

Images: Flint HIlls Sunrise and Rounding the Turn

06/15/2026

Stop into our High Wall Gallery to enjoy artworks from Karen Funcheon!

The FACES series is a vibrant collection of "lovely ladies" brought to life through a meticulous and sustainable creative process. Funcheon’s work consists primarily of found objects, including vintage jewelry belonging to herself or her mother. Each piece begins with a specific frame and background fabric, which then dictates the historical theme. "I start with the frame, and it inspires the direction," Funcheon explains. "Each piece is meticulously researched to stay true to the specific time period and location suggested by the fabric."

Delight in Karen Funcheon’s featured works, Blossom Belle and The Reluctant Bride.

06/11/2026

Invitation to Exhibit: Veterans Art Show at the Derby Public Library. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

We want to shine a light on the incredible creativity of our veteran community!

06/09/2026

🎨 Artist Shout-Out: Donna Bates sharing 2 artworks in the Gathering Space Gallery as part of the Derby Photo Club and the Wichita Area Camera Club show.

Donna’s artistic journey truly blossomed after moving to Derby in 2012, where she began exploring classes at the Derby Recreation Center. Refusing to lock herself into just one medium, Donna has mastered everything from fused glass and fiber arts to concrete stepping stones and painting. As an active member of Derby’s Photo Club, she beautifully fuses these distinct disciplines together—often creating custom barn quilts, memory stepping stones for her grandkids' sports, and stunning multimedia tapestries entirely inspired by her own original photography.

Stop by the Gathering Space Gallery to view her featured works on display:

Yellow Glory
Price: $65 (with frame)

The Story: A stunning capture of an Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio Glaucus) enjoying a bright spring day near Dexter, KS. Donna’s keen eye beautifully frames the butterfly, capturing its vibrant colors and the delicate, graceful signs of its age.

Sliding the Rail
Price: Not For Sale

The Story: A joyful, candid slice of life. Donna captures a playful moment of her granddaughter creating her own half-time entertainment on a railing during her cousin's soccer game. It is a wonderful example of finding art in everyday family moments.

From the Artist:
"With a passion for the arts and unable to choose just one, I started combining my skills by creating tapestries and paintings based from my photography... and creating custom commissioned pieces in memory of loved ones."

Come celebrate Donna's unique perspective and incredible craftsmanship next time you visit the gallery!

05/27/2026

Call for collectors: Nerd Collectors Meet-Up is coming soon!

The Derby Public Library will be bringing back its Nerd Collector’s Meet-up, to be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 5 in the library, located at 1600 E Walnut

05/25/2026

🎨 Artist Shoutout & Congratulations! ✨❤️

At the Derby Arts Council, we absolutely love keeping up with and supporting the incredible artists who have graced our library galleries. Today, we want to shine a massive spotlight on a very special member of our arts family: Stephanie Bayliff!

Stephanie is not only a remarkably talented artist who creates across many beautiful mediums, but she is also a phenomenal friend to the DAC. From volunteering her time to expertly stage our galleries to hanging artwork with precision and care, she does so much behind the scenes to make local art shine in Derby.

Now, it’s our turn to celebrate her! Stephanie has a stunning new display of her work over at Gallery XII in Wichita, and we couldn't be prouder.

Looking for a great, free night out? We highly encourage you to stop into Gallery XII to see her incredible creations on display and show her some love. Congratulations, Stephanie—thank you for everything you do for our community! 🎉🧵🎨

Next month, Mulvane artist Stephanie Bayliff will be part of a featured show at Wichita’s Gallery 12. Bayliff’s latest solo exhibit, “The Space Between Breaths,” will be on display at