Ulrich Friends with Benefits

We are excited to announce our Ulrich Friends with Benefits 2026 Speaker Series:

Inside the Director’s Office
Leadership in Art Museums in the Midwest Today

Our 2026 Ulrich Friends with Benefits Speaker Series brings together some of the region’s most visionary arts leaders for intimate and candid conversations about the challenges and possibilities of museum leadership today. From community engagement to curatorial innovation, each talk offers a close look at how directors are navigating the evolving role of art museums in contemporary society. Each director will also select one impactful work from the Ulrich permanent collection to discuss.

Saralyn Reece Hardy, Marilyn Stokstad Director, Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence, Kansas
5:30-7:30 P.M. | Friday, February 20 | Harvester Arts with optional, all-inclusive dinner following.
JoAnne Northrup, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Nerman Museum of Art, Overland Park, Kansas
5:30-7:30 P.M. | Thursday, April 16 | Fisch Haus
Dr. Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri
5:30-7:30 P.M. | Friday, September 18 | WSU’s Woolsey Hall with optional, all-inclusive dinner following.
Kent Michael Smith, Director, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum in Manhattan, Kansas
5:30-7:30 P.M. | Friday, November 6 | Emprise Bank Atrium

Join us for thought-provoking talks, cocktails and appetizers, and a chance to connect with fellow art patrons and cultural changemakers.

Our cherished Ulrich Friends with Benefits (UFWB) members provide indispensable support for programs, community outreach, and student engagement through philanthropic contributions. Thank you for joining or renewing here.

Benefits of Membership

• Speaker Series: Exclusively curated for UFWB, the Inside the Director’s Office series brings Midwest art museum leaders to share captivating insights on timely topics along with a social mixer.

• Optional Dinners: Come together for an evening of conversation, art appreciation, and fine food curated by a local chef. We are offering two dinners this season at an additional cost. *

• VIP Early Access: Enjoy a first VIP look from 5-5:30 p.m. at our Spring and Fall Exhibition Opening Celebrations.

• Exclusive Curated Tours: Schedule a tour for friends or colleagues of our current exhibitions, the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, or the Ulrich vault.

• Art Excursion: Join us for a day trip to Lawrence, Kansas with visits to the Spencer Museum and Lawrence Art Center. Fee includes transportation, lunch, museum admission, and happy hour on the ride home. *

• Discount: UFWB members receive a 20% discount on retail items in our Gift Shop.

• NARM: Your complimentary membership to the North American Reciprocal Museum association provides you with free admission to participating institutions across the U.S. and beyond.

Ulrich Friends with Benefits
UFWB Duo | $1,000
UFWB Single | $750

50 and Under membership
Art Influencer Duo | $450
Art Influencer Single | $250

Thank you for joining or renewing here.

*Additional costs apply to some optional art experiences. Please inquire for details.

For more information about Ulrich Friends with Benefits, contact Ann Keefer, Membership/Special Events Manager at Ann.Keefer@wichita.edu. Thank you for your support!