For one of our Summer 2022 exhibitions, the Ulrich has invited members of the Youth Arts Council to take over our gallery space and curate an exhibition of works from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Founded by Arts Council member Shannon Boone in 2020, the Youth Arts Council is an organization open to all Wichita-area high school students who are passionate about the arts and interested in turning that passion into a career path. The mission of the Youth Arts Council is to provide active and inclusive opportunities for youth to LEARN, LEAD, ADVOCATE, and ENGAGE with other creatives passionate about moving the arts forward and inspiring change in our community. Participants are encouraged to infuse their voices, ideas, and creative energy into existing arts programming, as well as explore creating new opportunities for the arts in Wichita.
Three YAC members—Madeline Albert, Harper Sanneman, and RJ—responded to our invitation. Each curated a selection of works from the Ulrich collection on a theme that resonated with them. Over the course of the 2021-2022 academic year, the students researched and selected works from the collection, wrote statements about their curatorial visions, helped with publicity for the exhibition, and created the interpretive content that is available by using the Smartify app. The Ulrich greatly appreciates the hard work and dedication that Madeline, Harper, RJ, and Shannon put into this project. We are excited to offer an opportunity to develop the talents of creative youth in our community.
Partial support for this exhibition comes from the Youth Arts Council. The Ulrich is grateful for the ongoing support of Salon Circle members who make the Museum’s exhibitions and programs possible through their Salon memberships. We also receive funding for general operational support from the City of Wichita and Wichita State University.
Banner: Alexander Calder, The Big Wheel, 1970. Painting, gouache; paper, 29 13/32 H x 42 13/32 W in.
