ADCI News

Installing her thesis work at Wichita State's ShiftSpace gallery was the final step in Amy Huser's graduate program. For many reasons, the exhibition did not work out as planned, though "that's life," the artist says.

Normally, seniors graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design present their work in a galley-style design exhibition. This year, the novel coronavirus changed everything, so this group of 21 students quickly pivoted to an online format.

Every year, the Art & Design Advocates host Emerging Artists, an event that showcases the work of some of the most talented students in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries at Wichita State. The March 14 event was cancelled due to concern about the novel coronavirus, so the group responded with a virtual awards ceremony. Three students took home cash prizes totaling $1,750.

WSU’s Innovation Campus is home to two new temporary sculptures, the result of a collaboration between the City of Wichita and the WSU College of Fine Arts. Levente Sulyok, associate professor of painting and drawing, installed the first two works. He utilized sunlight and wind as materials to create dynamic installations that invite viewer participation.

Students in the Intro to Social Practice class joined forces with the nonprofit organization Downtown Wichita and fringe-forward startup Best Fringe Forever to design and execute a temporary installation in Gallery Alley. The successful project landed one student a part-time job.

A graphic design class gave Wichita State's off-campus gallery a brand new identity. The students who run ShiftSpace chose a design by senior Nicklaus Lawrence.

Adelia Wise began fertility treatments around the same time she entered graduate school. Three years later, she has twin boys and a body of work that explores the path she took to motherhood. A public closing reception for Wise's thesis exhibition, "“According to Plan,” will be held from 2–5 p.m. May 31 at Vertigo 232 Gallery, 232 N. Market.

Graphic Design student Tasha Wentling created "Hotel Tempus" to play with color, flex her design skills and fill a void in her creative life. The exhibition is on view in the Wilson K. Cadman Gallery through April 12.

Top student artists will compete for a total of $1750 in cash prizes at the second annual Emerging Artists showcase. The exhibition is a project of the Art & Design Advocates, the patron group that supports ADCI. A public reception will be held from 7–9 p.m. on March 2 in McKnight Art Center. Prizes will be announced at 7:30.