Mulvane Art Museum: New Exhibitions Open for Spring 2023

Invitations to Listen features art that Rachel Epp Buller created in response to her daily walks during a residency in Canada. While on her walks, she explored how listening can be a mindful act carried out not just with the ears, but with the whole body. She strives for a listening practice that is full of care so that it becomes a way of attuning herself to her surroundings. Her art invites you to slow down, ground yourself in the here and now, and listen. Invitations to Listen is presented in conjunction with Washburn University's 2023 WUmester theme of health and healing. The art in this exhibition suggests that mindful movement and attentive listening could present important pathways toward healing our bodies, minds, relationships with each other, and connection to the natural world.

Clear Water: Encountering Mokuhanga draws from the Mulvane's rich collection of Japanese woodblock prints (mokuhanga), which the museum received in 1968 as a gift from Robert Whitcomb. This exhibition was curated by Matthew Willie Garcia, an innovative multimedia printmaker based in Lawrence, KS and Kansas City, MO. His selections highlight the engaging techniques and history of mokuhanga. The exhibition also explores the integral role that water plays in the medium. The traditions, culture, and ecology of Japan have a rich relationship with water that is exemplified by mokuhanga. From the growing of trees for woodblocks, to the making and soaking of paper, to the mixing of pigments, to depictions of seascapes and crashing waves, water permeates every aspect of mokuhanga.

There will be an opening reception for both exhibitions at the Mulvane on Friday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Additional associated public programs include a gallery talk by Rachel Epp Buller on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 1:30 to 2:30pm, and a gallery talk by Matthew Willie Garcia on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 12 to 1pm. All of these events are free and open to the public.