First Friday Art Walk

NexLynx Gallery is the “must see” art gallery on the First Friday Art Walk located in the historic Bates Building in the heart of Downtown Topeka. Beginning in 2010, we have shown hundreds of original photographs, paintings, carvings and sculptures from dozens of local and regional artists. The First Friday Art Walk is our “Opening Reception“ for each new monthly exhibit at NexLynx Gallery of Arts. The First Friday Art Walk is a program of ArtsConnect.

First Friday Art Walk – February 2025

Join us in celebrating the inspiring artwork of Marie Plinsky, a creative force who transformed her passion for color into a remarkable career in the arts. With over 30 years as a hairdresser honing her understanding of color theory, Marie found a new canvas to express her vision—one that has captivated audiences for years.

Marie began her artistic journey with watercolor, exploring its delicate and fluid beauty. Over time, her curiosity and talent led her to experiment with various mediums, including charcoal, oil, acrylic, and even gourd decoration. Her latest works are an exciting venture into mixed media, where she combines acrylics, paper, and fabric to craft pieces with rich, textured depth.

An active member of both the Lawrence and Topeka Art Guilds, Marie has dedicated years to supporting the arts community as Reception Chair, President, and Vice President, in addition to her contributions to the Hanging Committee. Her talent has been recognized through numerous exhibits, including the Aaron Douglas Art Fair, and she received an honorable mention at the “Kansans Paint Kansas” exhibit.

Artist Image Gallery

  • Our History

  • NexLynx Gallery of Arts started in 2010, after being selected as one of the venues for the ReThink Topeka Exhibition and Art Walk that same year and each year after. The Re-Think Topeka Art Walk was a movement to spur re-building community awareness through art and cultural events. NexLynx continues to be a proud supporter of the art community with our monthly exhibits and opening receptions. We worked with the former Arts Council of Topeka, and now ArtsConnect to promote art in the community as a premier downtown gallery on the Downtown Topeka Art Walk.

    The Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the historic downtown Bates Building. Walter L. Bates' (1859-1903) last business enterprise was the building of the structures on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Jackson Streets, known as the Bates Block, which includes the I.O.O.F. Hall (117 W. 6th - c. 1910) and 123 W. 6th (c. 1902).

    NexLynx Gallery was voted a Finalist for both 2016 and 2017 People's Choice Awards, nominated by people in the Topeka Community as their favorite stop on the First Friday Art Walk, a program of ArtsConnect.

    • NexLynx Gallery of Arts