DoPiKa: Reinstate Exhibition

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum will host a series of events related to “DoPiKa: Reinstate,” a new exhibition in collaboration with Native-owned organization 785 Arts.

     The exhibition runs through November 15.

     “DoPiKa: Reinstate” brings together art and historical research to highlight Native Americans connected to Kansas. In the north gallery, experience the works of contemporary Native artists whose lives and tribal identities intersect with this state, including Norman Akers (Osage) and Sydney Pursel (Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska). In the study gallery, explore the history of the many tribal nations that shaped Shawnee County and beyond.

     In addition to the exhibition, there are four associated events open to the public.

• The Mulvane Art Museum will be a part of Washburn’s Family Weekend celebration from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Mulvane Art Lab and Galleries with activities and artmaking, including a special loom beading activity inspired by “DoPiKa: Reinstate” and led by Yale Taylor (Choctaw).
• Akers, Pursel and Mona Cliff (Aaniiih/Nakota/Eastern European) will discuss how their communal identities, homes and firsthand experiences shape their art from 1-2:15 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Mulvane Art Museum. Their conversation will be moderated by Lisa LaRue-Baker (Cherokee), co-curator of the exhibition.
• Practice Native weaving techniques with Lisa LaRue-Baker from 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in Garvey Fine Arts Center Room 16. LaRue-Baker learned basketry from Sandy Long, Thelma Vann Forrest and Anna Sixkiller and has been weaving for over 25 years. She will begin by telling a traditional story about the first basket and then she will lead participants through the Cherokee double wall weaving technique. The $20 registration fee includes all materials. Register online at mulvaneartmuseum.org/calendar/2025/11/Cherokee-Double-Wall-Basketmaking-Workshop.html.
• Artist Bobby Von Martin (Choctaw) will share how his life experiences and tribal identity have shaped his practice from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Mulvane Art Museum. He will discuss his process as the illustrator of “I Am Osage: How Clarence Tinker Became the First Native American Major General”, a children's book that celebrates an unsung Native hero of American history.

     More information about the exhibit is available at mulvaneartmuseum.org/exhibitions/exhibitions-blocks/2025-Exhibits/dopika-reinstate.html.

     The museum, including the Rita Blitt Gallery, is open 12-7 p.m. Tuesdays; 12-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (12-7 p.m. on the first Friday of the month for First Friday Artwalk); and 12-4 p.m. Saturdays. The Art Lab is open 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 12-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free. For more information, visit mulvaneartmuseum.org or call 785-670-1124.

About the Mulvane Art Museum

     Opened to the public on January 13, 1924, the Mulvane Art Museum was one of the first art museums established west of the Mississippi. It has been a beacon of artistic inspiration for the Topeka community, Washburn University and the broader region. For more than a century, the museum has showcased visual expression from at home and abroad while fostering a deep appreciation for the arts and engaging the community in conversations about the world around us.

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For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu