112 E 11th . Hays, Kansas . 785-625-7522
HAYS ARTS CENTER
Monday - Friday from 10am to 4pm
Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
2025 Smoky Hill Exhibition
Apr. 26 - June 7, 2025
exhibitions, programs & events
Summer youth art program
Join us for some great summer fun as we get creative in June & July. Check out our classes & workshops in acting, theatre & music, arts & crafts, ceramics, weaving, guitar lessons, and more through the link below!
Smoky Hill Art Exhibition
This annual juried exhibition was curated by Jay Nelson, who selected this year's 57 works from 276 entered by Kansas artists, & awarding $3,000 in cash prizes. Find gallery & works images, the juror's statement, and scenes from the Spring Art Walk, 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.
Five State Photography Exhibition
This 41st Annual Five State opened December 7. The Five State Exhibition is the result of a competition open to photographers in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri & Colorado. This year's juror, Dan White, selected 150 exhibited works (out of 588 submissions) and determined cash awards totaling $1,500. The 2024-2025 Five State will run through February 12. The complete exhibition, juror's statement, & project info are available through the link below.
FAmous Figures Project
Open to 5th grade students in Ellis County public & private schools, this "living history" project promotes the use of research skills, awareness of, and appreciation for, the positive role models, thinking and writing in a creative manner, and developing acting and public speaking skills. Follow the link for 2025 info and photos, video, & winners from previous years.
Creative Writing Contest
Ellis County students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose & poetry works to this annual competition. The FHSU English Department serves as the judging panel and an award ceremony is held in late spring. Follow the link below for 2025 project info & publications of previous winning works.
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!
"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
