The Walter Yost Art Gallery is proud to host an installation by Katie Morris opening Monday, Nov. 10.

Morris explained, “This exhibition includes photographs of native plants and pollinators, as well as paintings and mixed media works that pair Kansas flora and fauna. I hope to inspire others to take a closer look at the natural world around us, and to raise awareness of the importance of native plants. Some pieces are painted directly on Kansas maps to further connect wildlife with place.”

Morris received the Overall Outstanding Art Educator award by the Kansas Art Education Association at their conference in Hiawatha this October.

“I have been an art educator for 17 years, and an artist since I was big enough to hold a crayon. When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time outside, whether it was fishing with my family, climbing my favorite tree, exploring creeks, building forts, planting flowers or hunting caterpillars to watch them transform into butterflies. I still feel a sense of wonder when I walk among the wildflowers. Today, I enjoy gardening for wildlife, working to restore part of our property to native prairie. In addition to supporting wildlife, this activity provides me with a wealth of inspiration,” said Morris.

Brigitte Bruna, HCC art instructor, added, “We are thrilled to have her showcase her work with us and celebrate the impact she has on her students and community.”

View the collection of work in the Walter Yost Art Gallery from Nov. 10 through Dec. 12, located in the Jack D. Nutt Math Science Building on the campus of Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas. The gallery is open to the community free of charge Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Walter Yost Art Gallery was named after HCC’s Teacher of the Year in 1974. Yost grew up southwest of Atchison. He taught at Atchison High School for 21 years before coming to Highland Community Junior College (HCJC) now known as Highland Community College in 1964. He also taught at the University of Kansas, Benedictine College, the Federal Penitentiary and Peru State. He illustrated 50 science books and painted 28, 8 feet by 12 feet murals at the University of Kansas. More information about Walter Yost and his work may be found in the Perspective of Walter Yost written by his daughter, Karen Yost McDow.