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

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

2025 Heartland Accepted Works(PDF, 71KB)

Heartland Artist Workshop -

Getting the Most from Reference Photos

Participants will learn how to transform reference images into something more compelling from which to kick start their next painting. Using an iPhone or iPad, along with the basic photo adjusting tools, students will learn how to alter their own reference images for better composition, less distracting details, more interesting colors, shapes and mood while taking in new directions. Drinks and snacks are provided. Bring a lunch or plan to eat out on your own. Deadline to register is February 10. Instructor: Mike Flora

Thursday & Friday, February 20-21  ▶ 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  ▶Register

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.  

Canvas Collective

Enjoy works from Local Artists for the January 2-February 1 showing of Canvas Collective.

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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.