HIGHLAND, Kan. - Betty Jean Billups, an acclaimed American artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings, is currently on exhibit in the Yost Gallery. With a focus on figures, portraits and landscapes, Billups' work is celebrated for its impressionistic style and bold use of color. She studied at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design under esteemed instructors like Joseph Morgan Henninger, which shaped her distinctive approach to art. 

Billups has made significant contributions to the plein air painting movement, notably through her involvement with the Plein Air Painters of America. Her art has been featured in solo exhibitions at various museums, including her first one-artist show at the Montana Historical Society in 1977. Her paintings not only capture the essence of her subjects but also reflect her profound engagement with the natural world and human spirit. 

Billups' work has been recognized for its freshness, depth and honest truth, making her one of the leading contemporary plein air artists. Her pieces are sought after by collectors and have been a part of numerous public and private collections. We are honored to showcase her inspiring art at the Walter Yost Art Gallery opening. 

We invite community members to a special reception Saturday, Jan. 25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Signed lithographs and editioned prints will be available as well as refreshments.  

View the collection of work in the Walter Yost Art Gallery from Jan. 15 through Feb. 7, 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.  

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, the Federal Penitentiary and Peru State. He illustrated 50 science books and painted 28, 8 by 12 foot murals at the University of Kansas. More information about Walter Yost and his work may be found in Perspective of Walter Yost written by his daughter, Karen Yost McDow.