Category: Fine Arts

The Department of Women’s, Ethnicity and Intersectional Studies has transitioned into a program housed in the Department of English. To celebrate this new partnership, the annual lecture series, Words by Women, will focus on Midwestern women writers.

Traci Brimhall is a university distinguished professor of creative writing and narrative medicine at Kansas State University, and the 2025 Poet-in-Residence at the Guggenheim Museum. She is the author of five poetry collections including “Love Prodigal.” Her nonfiction debut, “The Grief Artist,” will be published in 2026.

Join a reception at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 in the Ulrich Museum of Art lobby, followed by the program at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Sam and Jacque Kouri Collection Study Center. Everyone is welcome at the free event.

Writing Now Reading Now | Words by Women is presented by Fairmount College of Liberal Arts, Watermark Books & Cafe, the English department and the Ulrich Museum.

The sixth annual First Gen All Media Art Exhibit will be on display from Oct. 27 through Nov. 7 in Cadman Art Gallery in the Rhatigan Student Center. First-gen students are invited to submit artwork to the all-media art exhibition.

Come support first-gen Shockers at the reception from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 6 also at the Cadman Art Gallery. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places and honorable mentions.

The Department of Women’s, Ethnicity and Intersectional Studies has transitioned into a program housed in the Department of English. To celebrate this new partnership, the annual lecture series, Words by Women, will focus on Midwestern women writers.

Traci Brimhall is a university distinguished professor of creative writing and narrative medicine at Kansas State University, and the 2025 Poet-in-Residence at the Guggenheim Museum. She is the author of five poetry collections including “Love Prodigal.” Her nonfiction debut, “The Grief Artist,” will be published in 2026.

Join a reception at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 in the Ulrich Museum of Art lobby, followed by the program at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Sam and Jacque Kouri Collection Study Center. Everyone is welcome at the free event.

Writing Now Reading Now | Words by Women is presented by Fairmount College of Liberal Arts, Watermark Books & Cafe, the English department and the Ulrich Museum.

Wichita Repertory Theater and WSU Opera Theater join forces to present Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” a thrilling drama about genius, envy and the transformative power of music for two weeks only, Oct. 10-19 at Oliver Place, 2512 N. Oliver St. Specific times and dates are below:

• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10/11 and 17/18
• 2 p.m. Oct. 12 and 19

Narrated by court composer Antonio Salieri — the self-described “patron saint of mediocrities” — the play pits his ambition against the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, raising timeless questions about artistry, faith and the cost of greatness. Seating is reserved. For the best selection, purchase tickets on ICT Rep’s website.

Directed by Jane Gabbert (’77), the School of Performing Arts presents a reading of a new play selected from undergraduate and graduate student submissions across the United States at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 at Welsbacher Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex, entrance F.

“Now We Are A Hundred,” written by Alaina Tennant, is a haunting and evocative historical drama set in the aftermath of World War II. The play follows Christopher Robin Milne, injured during the war, as he returns home to confront his father, A.A. Milne, the beloved author of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Haunted by his fictional counterpart, Christopher reckons with the emotional toll of a childhood publicly immortalized, while his father — detached and morally conflicted — grapples with the unintended consequences of literary fame. Through lyrical dialogue and emotional complexity, the play explores the fine line between affection and exploitation, legacy and loss.

Students can get one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the support of the WSU Student Government for College of Fine Arts performances.. General admission for tickets is $15. Get your tickets from the Fine Arts Box Office by calling 316-978-3233, or online at wichita.universitytickets.com.

Wichita Repertory Theater and WSU Opera Theater join forces to present Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” a thrilling drama about genius, envy and the transformative power of music for two weeks only, Oct. 10-19 at Oliver Place, 2512 N. Oliver St. Specific times and dates are below:

• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10/11 and 17/18
• 2 p.m. Oct. 12 and 19

Narrated by court composer Antonio Salieri — the self-described “patron saint of mediocrities” — the play pits his ambition against the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, raising timeless questions about artistry, faith and the cost of greatness. Seating is reserved. For the best selection, purchase tickets on ICT Rep’s website.

The Wichita State jazz program will bring its dynamic energy to Walker’s Jazz Lounge, 252 N. Mosley St., with three evenings of performances in September:

• At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, audiences will enjoy the Guitar Ensemble (directed by William Flynn), Saxophonics (directed by James Pisano) and Latin Jazz Combos (directed by John Goering).
• At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, the spotlight turns to Jazz Combos, directed by Flynn, Pisano and Mark Foley.
• The series concludes at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 with performances by Jazz Arts Ensemble I (directed by Pisano) and Jazz Arts Ensemble II (directed by Nate Boone).

Tickets are available at the door or through the Walker’s Jazz Lounge website. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Wichita State students perform in one of Wichita’s premier jazz venues.

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Wiedemann Hall with internationally acclaimed organist Dr. Oliver Brett.

Brett, director of music at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is widely recognized for his artistry and leadership in church music, performance and education. He has served in prestigious posts at King’s College, Cambridge; Westminster Cathedral; and Durham Cathedral, and earned his doctorate at the Eastman School of Music. Brett has performed on five continents and appeared with major orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of Ancient Music.

The program features J.S. Bach’s famous “Toccata,” works by Herbert Howells and Felix Mendelssohn, and Charles-Marie Widor’s Symphony No. 5, concluding with Widor’s celebrated “Toccata.” After intermission, the series continues with the custom of “Conversation with the Artist,” an onstage interview that offers audiences a personal glimpse into Brett’s artistry and experiences.

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office. Admission is free for all WSU students with a Shocker ID.

The Wichita State Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Shade, will open the 2025-26 academic year of concerts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

The program features a diverse selection of contemporary works, including “Paean” by Kyle Duffee, arranged by Harrison J. Collins; “Only Light” by Aaron Perrine; “Evergreen” by Viet Cuong; and “Sunflower Studies” by Nicole Piunno, a five-movement work exploring color, light and resilience.

The Wind Ensemble invites the community to join in an evening of powerful music-making that showcases artistry, creativity and collaboration.

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office. WSU students receive free admission with their Shocker ID.

Meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Ulrich Museum of Art to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts for art-making activities and tours of exhibitions “Abhidnya Ghuge: I See, I See, I See,” “Everything Must Go! Justin Favela’s Close Out, Blow Out, re-Grand Opening” and “The Ulrich Co-Lab: Getting Personal.”

Afterward, participants will continue the art discussion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Kirby’s, 3227 E. 17th St. N, with social time, a convivial beverage and a gyro or pizza if you’re so inclined. Must be 21+ to attend. No admission charge. Drinks and food are on participants.