Mural of Wichita icons: Keeper of the Plains, sunflowers, cattle; cowboy singing with words I'm Michael E. Downs; dog's face; building; Snoop Dogg.

What do Broadway, the Olympics, the Super Bowl and immersive experiences have in common? Michael E. Downs.

Presented by the School of Performing Arts (SPA), Downs, an internationally recognized experiential and production designer, will speak at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 in Wilner Commons.

With more than 46 years of experience and 1,200+ productions across 50 countries, Downs has worked in theatre, live events, museums, television, sports and concerts. His clients include Google, Microsoft, IBM, McDonald’s, Samsung and Canva.

He’s especially excited to talk with students about the unexpected collaborations behind his latest project, “The Festival,” for Broadway. As experience designer, production designer and art director, Downs designed the festival’s environment — including five stages, VIP areas, and retail, food and beverage spaces. The event welcomed nearly 3,000 attendees from 48 states and four countries.

The talk is free and open to all.

The College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, commemorating a century of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and community enrichment through creative expression. Beginning later this year, the college will launch a yearlong celebration honoring its storied past, vibrant present and visionary future in arts education.

Founded on July 1, 1926, the College of Fine Arts has been a cornerstone of Wichita State, cultivating generations of artists, musicians, designers, performers and scholars.

“Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the dedication and passion of our faculty, students, alumni and supporters,” said Marie Bukowski, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “Our centennial year is not only a time to reflect on our achievements, but also an opportunity to energize our commitment to the arts and their essential role in society.”

Centennial year highlights:

  • Special exhibitions and performances to showcase work by alumni, faculty and students in visual arts, music, theatre, dance and design.
  • Guest lectures and workshops featuring renowned artists and cultural leaders who will share their insights and inspire future creatives.

The College of Fine Arts invites the Wichita community, alumni, students, faculty and staff to take part in this historic celebration. Events will be held throughout the 2025–26 academic year, with details and updates available on the college’s website and social media channels.

As it looks to the future, the College of Fine Arts remains dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusion and excellence—preparing the next generation of artists to create, collaborate and innovate.

Unsupervised Opening Reception Friday, May 2, 6-8 pm Closing on May 17 BFA Senior Exhibition Harvester Arts at The Lux 120 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202 logos of Harvester Arts, WSU, ShiftSpace, and ADCI Photo of 12 young men and women sitting on top of sculpture of millipede outdoors

Join the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries in celebrating the creative achievements of 12 graduating students as they present the exhibition “Unsupervised,” their final exhibition before embarking on their professional journeys, May 2-17 at Harvester Arts, 120 E. 1st St. N.

“Unsupervised” highlights the diverse talents, bold perspectives and innovative work of this year’s graduates. Ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture are all represented.

Man and woman looking at clay artwork. More people in background talking and looking at artwork.

Start your First Friday in April at WSU ShiftSpace (now at the new location inside Harvester Arts at The Lux, 120 E. 1st St N). Featuring the thesis exhibitions of three MFA students: Abby Ausherman, Megan Messer and Brookelle Peterson Robertson, it’s a good way to kick off your weekend.

Whether you’re an art lover or a supporter of local talent, you can see how the artists are pushing boundaries and redefining their art forms.

Opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4. Exhibition runs through April 25. Mark your calendar, bring a friend and support School of Art, Design and Creative Industries MFA students.