2023 Smoky Hill Art Exhibition

John C. Thorns, Jr. was a professor of art at Fort Hays State University from 1954 to 1990, becoming department chair in 1973. He was a founder and president of the Hays Arts Council and served on the Kansas Arts Commission’s visual arts advisory panel. He was also instrumental in the development of the celebrated Hadley Foundation Art Collection at Hays Medical Center, serving as the collection’s consultant until his death in 2014.   John was also a prolific artist and garnered numerous awards for his work. FHSU’s Moss Thorns Gallery of Art bears his name and that of his predecessor Joel Moss.

Warren Taylor, a former student of Thorns now living in San Angelo, TX, provides this special annual award in his name.  This year, “Winter Magic” by Cal Mahin received the $300 award in John’s honor. 

Standlee “Bud” and Jeannine Dalton were long-time members and supporters of the Hays Arts Council. Bud served on the board of directors of the HAC for several years, contributing to the stability and development of the organization. Jeannine had a strong passion for the arts and delighted in museums, galleries, music and architecture during the extensive travel, both national and international, that she and Bud enjoyed over the years. We were saddened by her death 10 years ago.

Following Bud’s passing earlier this year, his family designated the Hays Arts Council as the benefactor of memorial gifts made in his name. Through the generosity of those gifts, a $300 cash award went to “Translucent Teal” by Stephanie Kitten, made in honor of Bud and Jeannine.

For twenty-three years, Gordon Sherman was a professor of printmaking in the Fort Hays State University Department of Art and Design. He was also a prolific and award-winning artist whose work was exhibited nationally and internationally. 

Following his retirement in December 2020, we began working with him on his retrospective exhibition. Sadly, Gordon passed away early in the summer of 2021, but with the support of his family and colleagues, we carried out the plans we had begun and celebrated his legacy, featuring his work as the highlight of our 2021 Fall Art Walk.

Through the generosity of his family in sharing his vast body of work with us, we’re presenting a $300 printmaking award to “Misfortune” by John Decker.