FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/18/26

(Wichita, Kans.) – The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) proudly presents an exclusive new exhibition, Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum.

WAM is showcasing Wichita’s world-class collection, including dozens of new acquisitions—more than 20 of which have never before been on view in Wichita. These new artworks will be paired with beloved favorites that have been collected over the past 90 years to celebrate American art in all its beauty, complexity, and diversity. Responses to the artworks from members of the community—including poetry and dance—will be included in the exhibition to offer multiple perspectives on these important works.

This show opens Saturday, October 10, 2026, and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Free exhibition admission for Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum is generously sponsored by the Casper Family Foundation. We are delighted to announce that because of this support, visitors will be able to see all the art at WAM for free during the run of Past & Present.

Molly McFerson, Director/CEO, said, “We are excited to celebrate WAM’s extraordinary collection of American art and invite visitors to rediscover beloved favorites alongside remarkable new acquisitions. This milestone exhibition reflects our commitment to thoughtfully growing the collection and sharing it with our community.”

See paintings, sculptures, and textiles by dozens of artists. Works include these, among many others:

The show is divided into five thematic groupings, each one exploring a different genre. These groupings allow WAM to reveal what happens when new works meet old ones.

• “This American Life”
• “This Land is Your Land”
• “Lust & Disgust”
• “Who Tells Your Story?”
• “Portraiture & Prestige”

Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick, Curator, said, “This show is a celebration of the 90 years that WAM has served Wichita. We are thrilled to display so many new acquisitions alongside the highlights of our collection. We designed this presentation to allow visitors to see new sides of some of their favorites. Works of art change depending on what you put them next to, and this is a fantastic opportunity to see our collection in a new light.”

KEY DETAILS
Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 | Wichita Art Museum
More information: Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum – Wichita Art Museum

PAST & PRESENT OPENING DAY
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10 AM – 5 PM
Free and open to the public

PAST & PRESENT COMMUNITY EVENT | Free and open to the public
WAM Night: Pop-Up Party for Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum
Friday, October 16, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Wichita Art Museum
Free and open to the public

Celebrate this exciting exhibition featuring WAM’s world-class collection!

• Explore the exhibition with live music by Wichita Symphony Orchestra musicians, inspired by WAM’s collection.
• Experience Smack Dab Dance Lab artists’ original choreography created in response to the exhibition (6:45 and 7:45PM).
• Make a mural with Armando Minjárez Monárrez.
• Dance with DJ Marcus El under Dale Chihuly’s Confetti Chandelier.
• Sip and snack on signature cocktails and treats from EAT.

WAM Member exclusives:

• • Join Director/CEO Molly McFerson and curator Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick for a light and lively talk about some of WAM’s newest treasures (6–6:30 PM).
  • Stick around for the exclusive after-party on the Terrace (8:30–10PM).

• Celebrating Educators: Teachers with faculty ID are invited to have a drink on us, unwind with artmaking just for you, and learn more about educator resources at WAM.

Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum is organized by the Wichita Art Museum and curated by Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick.

Free exhibition admission for Past & Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights at the Wichita Art Museum is generously sponsored by the Casper Family Foundation. Principal sponsor: Koch Family Foundation. Distinguished sponsor: Emprise Bank.

2026 exhibitions and public programs are generously supported by the Downing Foundation. All museum exhibitions receive generous support from the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum and the City of Wichita.

SPONSORS:  

Free Admission Sponsor:
Casper Family Foundation

Principal Sponsor:
Koch Family Foundation

Distinguished Sponsor:
Emprise Bank

Supporting Sponsors:
Clay and Kate Bastian
Dr. Haroldז״ל  and Evelyn Gregg
Terry and Lou Heldman
Eric Engstrom and Robert Bell
John Fishpaw & Kim Krohn

CONTACT:
Naama Marcos | Director of Marketing and Communications | marcos@wam.org | 316-268-4985

Wichita Art Museum: 1400 West Museum Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas USA 67203 | 316-268-4921

The Wichita Art Museum connects people, ideas, and art through remarkable experiences.

Aliza Nisenbaum, El Taller (The Workshop), 2023. Oil on linen, diptych, 95 × 150 inches. Wichita Art Museum, Museum purchase, American Art Acquisition Fund established by friends and franchisees of Pizza Hut, in honor of Dan and Frank Carney, 2026.13

Winslow Homer, In the Mowing, 1874. Oil on canvas, 15 3/4 x 23 inches. Wichita Art Museum, Roland P. Murdock Collection, M127 .54