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 – August 2025

The gallery is proud to present the artwork of Joey Rocha, a life-long Topeka resident who shares his personal journey through powerful, colorful pieces. Guests will experience art that beautifully connects three important parts of Joey’s life: faith, family, and talent. His work invites everyone to explore these themes and discover how art can bring people together.

Joey Rocha graduated from Topeka High School, where his passion for art first began. Since then, art has remained a big part of his life. It has helped him express himself and has even supported his work as a dental technician.

Joey’s family has always inspired him and encouraged him to share his story. He believes that in the world of multi-color art, there are no boundaries and no room for prejudice. His work celebrates diversity, connection, and the importance of lifting each other up. Joey hopes to inspire everyone who visits, especially young artists, encouraging them to follow their own creative path and share their gifts with the world.

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