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 – October 2024

Step into the dynamic world of Shelly’s art, where the rich traditions of folk art meet the dynamic expressions of modern creativity. From the bright, optimistic colors that adorn everyday objects to the intricate details, Shelly’s work transforms surfaces into stories. This exhibit showcases her versatility and passion, inviting you to explore the many facets of her creative journey.

Shelly has a deep love of folk art, ranging from the very primitive to the complex. She is inspired by the tradition of decorative painting that varies across countries, seen everywhere from simple farmhouses to grand palaces. Shelly’s folk art is versatile, covering many surfaces—both functional and non-functional. Over the years, she has painted on furniture, walls, fabric, ceramics, and even a minivan. Her journey into folk art began with a desire to transform shabby second-hand furniture into something beautiful for her first home, and it has evolved into an exploration of new surfaces and expressions of this humble art form. She loves the bright colors, humor, and optimism that folk art brings, believing that in what many perceive as dark times, there is nothing more profound than a smile.

Shelly served 3 years on the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District’s board and has been recognized with the ArtsConnect Fine Art Award. Her contributions to the community include participating in the Topeka Zoo’s Roar and Pour fundraising art auction and creating “Chaotic Hopscotch,” the striking ground mural in the Teeter courtyard at the NOTO Art Center. Beyond her creations, Shelly shares her knowledge and passion with others by teaching a variety of techniques to aspiring artists.

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