Topeka
Kansas
Mulvane Art Museum News - September 27, 2024
Arts and Entertainment
October 1, 2024
From: Mulvane Art MuseumUpcoming Events
The Mulvane Art Museum Story
Oct. 8, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Upper Level Galleries
In celebration of the Mulvane's 100-year anniversary, join Director Connie Gibbons for a talk about the museum's history. Learn about the Mulvane's founding in 1924, its growth over the last century, and where it's headed as we look forward to the next 100 years.
Brunch Reception & Special Performance
Oct. 13, 11 am - 1 pm
Rita Blitt Gallery
Join us with special guest Rita Blitt in a celebration of the exhibition Women of Abstract Expressionism.
Dancer David Parsons and composer Michael Udow will present a special improvisational performance in response to the exhibition.
Brunch and mimosas!
Learning from Gordon Parks
Nov. 7, 5 - 6:30 pm
Main Level Galleries
Photographer Ann Dean will discuss the work of iconic African American author, photographer, and filmmaker Gordon Parks. Learn how his books illustrate his mother’s teachings centered in love, dignity, and hard work. Support for this event is provided by the Kansas Arts Commission.
The above events are free and open to the public.
Art Lab Public Hours Return
Tuesdays, 4-7 pm
Saturdays, 12-4 pm
The Mulvane Art Lab is back and better than ever! Join us during our free public hours for art activities for all ages. Create 3D animal constructions, texture prints, collages, and so much more.
Current Exhibitions
Endangered Art:Reclaiming a Legacy
Upper Level
In 2018, the Mulvane launched the Endangered Art program, which supports the technical study and conservation of vulnerable paintings in the permanent collection. Since that time, dozens of works have been treated. In celebration of the Mulvane's centennial, this exhibition showcases the paintings that have been preserved for the next 100 years and beyond.
Frederick Stuart Church, The Lady and the Tiger, 1907, oil on canvas
Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University permanent collection
Upper Level
This exhibition from the permanent collection explores American values, ideals, and dreams. It presents a conversation between works that range from idealistic visions of America to more pessimistic views. Together, they present a complex narrative about our shared national identity.
Diego Romero, Cara, 2018, lithograph Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University permanent collection
Main Level
These sculptures are selected from an exhibition that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision. Citizen artist vanessa german worked with community members to create works that embody stories, ideas, and people related to the American history of race relations. You can find other works from CRAVING LIGHT at Great Overland Station; learn more here.
Main Level
Curated by philosophy professor Rik Hine, this exhibition of photographs from the permanent collection explores how we think of insiders and outsiders. Works by photographers including Peter Turnley and Donna Ferrato highlight our pre-formed judgements. They invite us to consider how we position others in relation to ourselves.
Student to Artist: In Pursuit of the Artistic Practice
Main Level
This exhibition draws from the permanent collection to showcase the practices of twelve Washburn alumni and students, including Robert Merrell Gage, William Haney, Bradbury Thompson, Barbara Waterman-Peters, Larry Peters, Thomas Parker, and Mary Huntoon. Paintings, prints, and sculptures spanning more than 100 years speak to the Mulvane's history of stewarding artistic excellence.
Main Level
Reflect on the versatility and richness of wood as you explore the rarely-seen and recently-acquired sculptures in this installation.
Women of Abstract Expressionism
Rita Blitt Gallery
Women actively shaped the development of Abstract Expressionism, a painting movement that emerged in New York following World War II. Some of these artists, like Rita Blitt, worked outside the mainstream, experimenting with the language of the movement far from New York. This exhibition features five women artists who innovated Abstract Expressionism from different times and places.
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Recent Acquisitions
Over the last five years, gifts and purchases have enriched the Mulvane collection, expanding the museum's holdings in contemporary art, regional work, and photography. Click below to explore selected works that have recently been added to the collection.