Rita Blitt Gallery to Reopen May 3

     Topeka, Kan. - The Rita Blitt Gallery on the Washburn University campus plans to re-open May 3 after being temporarily closed for maintenance. The Gallery will re-open with the exhibition “Concerning the Musical in Art: The Visual Symphonies of Rita Blitt” which will explore the connection between music and art in the work of Kansas City-born artist Rita Blitt. It showcases Blitt’s ability to evoke melody, harmony and rhythm in paintings, drawings and sculptures. Each work is paired with a musical selection that can be accessed by QR code or viewed in the gallery. It will be on view from May 3 through Aug. 30.

             The Mulvane Art Museum invites the public to a free event at 1 – 2:15 p.m. May 28 in the Rita Blitt Gallery. Camry Ivory, audiovisual artist and guest curator of “Concerning the Musical in Art,” will give a gallery talk. After, she will present a special musical and visual performance in celebration of the exhibition. Light refreshments will be provided.

“Canvas & Paper: from the Studio of Edward Navone” Now – July 5

       Another new exhibit on display now in the Mulvane Art Museum is “Canvas & Paper: from the Studio of Edward Navone.” This installation features the work of the late Topeka artist and Washburn Professor Emeritus Edward Navone (1937–2024). Navone moved to Kansas in 1964 to work as a professor at Washburn University and served the university’s students for 43 years. He also created thousands of paintings and drawings using a variety of styles and techniques. “Canvas & Paper” provides a glimpse into the passions that drove his practice and lays the groundwork for further exploration of his art. It will be available to view through July 5.

      The Mulvane Art Museum invites the public to two free events in recognition of Navone’s artistic achievements:

- There will be a reception at 5- 7 p.m. May 2. Connie Gibbons, director emeritus of the Mulvane and guest curator of the exhibition, will make a few remarks at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

- Navone’s former students, friends and colleagues will present a roundtable discussion about his artistic practice, educational approach and cultural contributions at 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. June 17.

            The Mulvane Art Museum, including the Rita Blitt Gallery, is open 12 – 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 12 – 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; and 12 – 4 p.m. Saturdays. The Art Lab is open 4 -7 p.m. Tuesdays and 12 – 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit mulvaneartmuseum.org or call 785-670-1124.

- 30 -