"Retirement Odyssey," an exhibit of paintings by Scott Moser, M.D., professor emeritus at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, will open Friday, Oct. 4, with a First Friday reception from 5-7 p.m. in the William J. Reals Gallery of Art. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Moser, who was a full-time faculty member between 1998 and 2022, and served as associate dean for curriculum at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, shared the following statement: 

Growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, I enjoyed a series of great art teachers, beginning in grade school and continuing through high school then college at K-State. Then I left for medical school, and a demanding career in medicine and medical education and family responsibilities—a life that seemed too busy to make room for painting. I always told myself I would return to my art when I retired but that didn’t happen until I received a Christmas gift from my son and his wife: acrylic painting lessons … and my odyssey began!

These paintings form a travelogue of my retirement adventures so far. They also document my development as an artist in acrylics. I anticipate some viewers will consider me more of an illustrator than an artist. I’m okay with that as I have admired the works of N.C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell most of my life.

Perhaps, as you browse through this pictorial journal, you will be reminded of some of the adventures in your own life and not wait until retirement to start on an odyssey of your own. And, if you are already retired, perhaps this collection will inspire you to discover something new or to return to something you’ve always dreamed of doing.

The William J. Reals Gallery of Art at KU School of Medicine-Wichita is free and open to the public. Regular business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. "Retirement Odyssey" will be on display through Nov. 30.