Beginning January 9, the Gallery at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina will feature an exhibit by Ellinwood artist Robert Joy. Well-known throughout the Golden Belt, Joy is famous for his unconventional painting style. His paintings incorporate a variety of characters and forms of nature, while addressing social and spiritual issues.
The vivid, intricate drawings of a fantastical nature come out of Joy’s obsession to create. As a child, he struggled to fit in because of a learning disability and art became his escape and passion. After years of frustration and trying to conform to traditional art forms, he says, “One day, I decided that I was going to (create) what I (create) and not worry about what other people do, and I wasn’t going to compete with them. Now it’s working.”
After serving in Vietnam, Joy earned a master’s degree in art from Fort Hays University. He taught art at the junior high level in Great Bend USD 428 for nine years.

WHAT: “Outside the Lines” art exhibit
WHO: Robert Joy, Ellinwood artist
WHERE: The Gallery, Sams Hall of Fine Arts, Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin Ave., Salina
WHEN: January 9 through February 15, 2017
GALLERY HOURS: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; weekends by appointment
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Peggy Medina, Gallery Director, at peggy.medina@kwu.edu or call 785-833-4383
SPECIAL EVENT: First Friday Reception, February 3 from 5-7 p.m.
The artist will be present at the reception to discuss his work. Drinks and snacks will be provided.