WAM Nights: Screening of Gordon Parks’ The Learning Tree (1969) | Rated PG

Howard E. Wooden Auditorium

• 6 PM – Bar opens
• 6:30 PM – Screening begins with introduction by Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas
• Post-film discussion led by Sharp

The Learning Tree was the first film commissioned by a major Hollywood studio and directed by a Black American. Based on Parks’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, it tells the story of a Black teenager descended from Exodusters coming of age in rural Kansas. Parks—a polyglot of the arts—wrote, directed, and produced the film, and he composed its score. Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas, will introduce the film and host a discussion following the screening.

A Fort Scott native and U.S. military veteran, Sharp is a graduate of Pittsburg State University. Before taking on his current leadership role, Kirk served on the Gordon Parks Museum Board for seven years, including five years as Board President. His involvement with the Museum began well before becoming the director, contributing to the planning and execution of the annual Gordon Parks Celebration and supporting numerous projects and initiatives that preserve and promote the legacy of Gordon Parks.

Sharp will illuminate Parks’ artistic choices–such as the filming locations he selected in Fort Scott, the groundbreaking impact of The Learning Tree, and its relevance today. 

Free and open to the public. Cash bar.

About WAM Nights: We’re open late on Fridays until 9 pm! Get your weekend started with after-hours access to the galleries and shopping in the Museum Store. WAM Nights include programs with artists, musicians, and performers–don’t miss your chance to see the art at WAM in a new way! The museum comes to life with local creatives during WAM Nights!