Tim Murphy Art Gallery

Opening Receptions are the first night from 7:30-8 p.m. with the exception of the Heartland Artist Exhibition in March which is 5-7 p.m. with awards presented at 6:30 p.m.

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The selection of artists for exhibitions will be done by committee. At the discretion of the committee, exhibitions may include the work of more than one artist per show.

Application Information

Canvas Collective Art Workshops

The Canvas Collective is a community development project that harnesses the power of collective artmaking to inspire strength, connection, and well-being within our community. Led by art professionals, these free workshops are a great opportunity for local creatives to feel empowered to freely express themselves. The art pieces will end up in a self-curated exhibition at the Tim Murphy Gallery in January 2025. You don't need to be a professional or working artist to engage in these workshops. Registration for this workshop is through The Arts Council of Johnson County. 

Thursday, September 19 ▶  6-8 p.m. ▶  Registration

Thursday, October 17 ▶ 6-8 p.m. ▶  Registration

Thursday, November 21 ▶ 6-8 p.m. ▶ Registration

Thursday, December 19 ▶ 6-8 p.m. ▶  Registration

Heartland Artist Competition 

The  Annual Heartland Artist Exhibition is a national show drawing artists from all over the United States.  Artist may submit three digital images in .jpeg format to be juried.  The entry fee is $45, non-refundable payable to the City of Merriam.

AWARDS 
Best in Show: $1,500
Second Place: $1,000
Third Place: $500
Awards of Merit (3): $100
Irene B. French Memorial Award
Tim Murphy Memorial Award
Susan Hayden Award of Distinction

How to Enter

2024 Accepted Works(PDF, 120KB)

Heartland Artist Workshop -

Information regarding the 2025 Workshop coming soon!

The Annual High School Visual Arts Competition was created to show case the talent of high school students currently attending high school or home schooled in the Kansas City Area. Area high school artists may submit three pieces of artwork for consideration. The categories are 2D, 3D, Photography and Digital Illustration/Painting. Prizes are given to the top three pieces in each category.

Entry Information

Artist must submit images of their artwork in JPEG format. Images must be smaller than 1MB or they will not be accepted. Selection will be made from images. Submit only one image per piece. Students may enter more than one category but they are limited to three total entries.  

Pink Scrape

 Enjoy works from featured artist Joe Bussell.

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Tim was born October 6, 1954 in Benning, Georgia, son of Col. (Ret.) James K. and Ellen S. Murphy.  He graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, KS in 1972, Pittsburg State University in 1978, then completed a Master's Degree at Pittsburg State in 1982. He spent nearly his entire working career as a parks and recreation professional and joined Merriam Parks and Recreation in 1997.

Tim was an extremely dedicated employee with an unquenchable passion for his job.

One of Tim's major accomplishments was the development of this gallery. During his 15 years with the City of Merriam, Tim organized 188 art exhibitions, including monthly art shows, the Heartland national juried shows, and High School Visual Art Competitions.

The City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Department named this gallery in his memory on March 3, 2012.