Mulvane Art Museum Hosts Three Special Events This Summer

     Topeka, Kan. — Washburn University's Mulvane Art Museum will host three special events this summer related to two of its newest exhibitions — "Journey to the West: A Survey of Hong Chun Zhang's Art, 1996–2026" and "ICONIC: Sports Photography by Walter Iooss Jr." All events are open to the public and will take place at the Mulvane Art Museum on the Washburn University campus.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 — Artist Talk: Hong Chun Zhang
  Lawrence, Kansas-based artist Hong Chun Zhang will discuss her work featured in "Journey to the West." After studying traditional painting in China, Zhang moved to the United States, where she has lived for 30 years. Attendees will learn about her technically and conceptually rich artistic practice, which explores topics ranging from gender and cultural differences to environmental concerns and political issues. The event is free.

• 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27 — “Emotional Narratives: A Collage Workshop”
  Attendees will tour the "ICONIC" exhibition and discuss the emotional stories captured by Walter Iooss Jr., an internationally influential sports photographer. Following the tour, participants will take part in a guided collage workshop focused on telling an emotional narrative and exploring the visual nature of determination, pride, disappointment, exultation, heartbreak and victory. A $20 registration fee is required. All materials are provided. Register online at org/calendar/2026/06/Emotional-Narratives-A-Collage-Workshop.html.
  

• 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 — Sports Photography Workshop with Nick Krug
  Attendees will tour the "ICONIC" exhibition and experience the powerful imagery created by Walter Iooss Jr., an internationally influential sports photographer. Following the tour, attendees will meet Topeka-based artist Nick Krug and learn about his work as a photographer and photojournalist with more than 20 years of experience. Participants then will take cell phone photos in the Mulvane photo studio with models in posed motion under Krug's guidance. He will share his expertise while teaching elements such as lighting, positioning and framing. Participants will receive a print of a photo they take. A $40 registration fee and a cell phone are required. All other materials are provided. Register online at org/calendar/2026/08/Sports-Photography-Workshop-with-Nick-Krug.html.

     The Mulvane Art Museum is open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; noon to 7 p.m. the first Friday of each month for First Friday Artwalk; and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The Art Lab is open 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. General admission is free. For more information, visit mulvaneartmuseum.org or call 785-670-1124.

     Note: The Mulvane Art Museum will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth and Wednesday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 21, for building maintenance. The Art Lab will be closed Friday, July 3, through Monday, July 20. The Rita Blitt Gallery is currently closed for renovations.

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About the Mulvane Art Museum

     Opened to the public Jan. 13, 1924, the Mulvane Art Museum was one of the first art museums established west of the Mississippi River. It has served as 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 home and abroad while fostering appreciation for the arts and engaging the community in conversations about the world around it.

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