The goal of the Derby Arts Council is to encourage, promote and foster appreciation, participation and support for the visual arts. The Derby Arts Council will showcase local artists and provide an exhibition gallery for Derby and the surrounding area to enhance the cultural arts experience.

There are two gallery spaces in the library that are managed by the Derby Arts Council: the Gathering Space Gallery and the High Wall Gallery. The Gathering Space Gallery is in the library’s lobby and includes the Community Room. Art hung inside the library's Community Room is unavailable for viewing during library programs and room rentals. The High Wall Gallery is inside the library, located in the Kansas & Genealogy area of the library. Three-dimensional art and local collectors can be found on display in the lobby display case.

Click the button below to download the Policies and Procedures of the Derby Arts Council, which includes the artist release statement and inventory sheet.

Any questions regarding the artwork, including possible purchase, can be directed to Tami English, Derby Public Library Office Manager and Derby Arts Council Chair.

The Derby Public Library is proud to present a powerhouse showcase of local talent with the arrival of "The Evolving Palette," an exhibition featuring 24 artists from the prestigious Kansas Art Guild (KAG). The community is invited to celebrate this dynamic collection at a free public reception on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

"The Evolving Palette" captures the constant motion of creativity. This art exhibition showcases a staggering breadth of technique, moving seamlessly from luminous watercolors and intricate colored pencil to bold acrylics, classic oils, and inventive mixed media. With 24 distinct perspectives on display, the show promises a visual journey that celebrates the variety of the ever-changing art world.

“Walking through this exhibit feels like a journey through different worlds and techniques,” says Tami English, Chair, Derby Arts Council at Derby Public Library. “From the precision of India ink to the richness of oils, these artists have created a vibrant escape from the winter grey. It’s a privilege to host such a diverse collection of work from the Kansas Art Guild.”

The story of the Guild is as vibrant as the art itself. Founded in 1977 by Nona Bass, the group began with just eight members seeking a place for creators to connect and share ideas. Over the decades, the organization grew and eventually incorporated as the Kansas Art Guild in 1993 to reflect a membership that spans many miles outside the Wichita area. Today, the volunteer-powered group meets monthly at Mark Arts in Wichita, continuing their nearly 50-year legacy of pushing creative boundaries and evolving their craft.

The public is invited to honor these local masters at a reception featuring:

• Live Music: A performance by Mike and Michelle Roesch.
• Meet the Artists: Many of the featured artists will be in attendance to discuss their work and process.
• Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: High Wall Gallery, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove., Derby, KS

The Derby Public Library invites the community to shake off the winter chill and step into a world of warmth and heartfelt connection this season. The High Wall Gallery is proud to host “The Unstaged Beauty of Life,” a solo exhibition by talented Haysville resident Diane Ridpath, running through February 24, 2026.

Moving away from the "posed and perfect," Ridpath’s latest collection captures life in its most spontaneous and authentic forms. Her work features the playful energy of children and pets alongside comforting, familiar local landmarks. While these pieces are deeply personal to the artist, they evoke a sense of shared nostalgia, inviting viewers to find fragments of their own favorite memories within her vibrant brushstrokes.

“This isn’t a ‘hushed whispers and velvet ropes’ kind of art show,” Ridpath explains. “It is intended to be warm, approachable, and human—a dedicated space to reflect on memory, change, and the simple joy of life unfolding.”

The public is invited to a special artist reception to meet Diane Ridpath in person:

• When: Friday, February 20, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Where: High Wall Gallery, Derby Public Library
• Feature: Live music provided by handpan artist Daniel Baird.

This event is free and open to the community. Whether you are a lifelong art collector or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful story told through color and light, this exhibition offers a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Ridpath’s "Unstaged Beauty" series marks a significant transition toward capturing the movement and sincerity of life as it happens.

Visitors to the library who have questions regarding the art or interest in purchasing work can contact Tami English at 316-788-0760. The Derby Arts Council continues to encourage and foster participation in the visual arts, providing a premier exhibition gallery to enhance the cultural experience of the surrounding area.

Get ready to smile! Starting the first week of February through March 10, the Derby Library display case will be home to a very special guest. Local collector Jenny Venn is sharing her vibrant and heartwarming Hello Kitty collection with our community, offering a nostalgic trip through the world of Sanrio’s most iconic character.

Whether you grew up with a Hello Kitty lunchbox or just love a pop of cheer, this display is designed to spark joy during the final stretch of winter.

Did You Know? Charming Facts About Hello Kitty

To get you in the spirit for the upcoming display, here are a few "supercute" facts about the character who has been spreading friendship for over 50 years:
 

• She’s an International Londoner: While created by the Japanese company Sanrio, Hello Kitty (real name: Kitty White) actually lives in the suburbs of London with her parents and her twin sister, Mimmy.
   
• The "Apple" Standard: Forget inches and pounds! Hello Kitty’s official height is exactly five apples tall, and she weighs exactly three apples.
   
• A Heart Without a Mouth: Have you ever noticed Hello Kitty doesn’t have a mouth? Her creators say it’s because she speaks from the heart. She isn’t tied to one emotion, so she can share whatever feeling you are experiencing—happiness, sadness, or anything in between.
   
• The Philosophy of Friendship: Sanrio’s motto is "Small Gift, Big Smile." Hello Kitty was created specifically to encourage people to share small tokens of kindness with one another to build stronger friendships.