Stage as sanctuary: In troubling times, theater is a refuge for high school students
The joyful environment of the annual Kansas Thespian Festival testifies to theater’s value as a refuge and life tutor for teenagers.
A steady visual rhythm: Taylar Sanders and Harold Smith at Mulberry Art Gallery
An exhibition of paintings by Kansas City artists Taylar Sanders and Harold Smith offers an invitation to witness blackness in full bloom. It's on view at Mulberry Art Gallery through May 16 and Harvester Arts through April 25.
At Wichita Community Theatre, Shakespeare that’s ‘easy to enjoy’
Set against the backdrop of WWII, “Into the Breeches” is a comedic love letter to the Bard. The eight-show production begins this week and runs through May 4.
Art in three dimensions: ‘Topeka Competition 34’ at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Artist Mona Cliff selected the 3D works in this iteration of the annual competition, on view at the Sabatini Gallery through May 11.
In its 53rd year, the Wichita Jazz Festival adds a local history lesson
The 2025 festival, which takes place April 22-26, includes performances by April May Webb, Matt Wilson & Peter Erskine — plus an event celebrating Wichita jazz history.
Derby man has the kind of voice that turns heads — and chairs
Jaelen Johnston is back in Kansas in between appearances on NBC's "The Voice." He performs at the Rusty Nail on Friday.
Inventing new patterns: Abby Ausherman at Harvester Arts
In her Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition "Anatomy of a Bond," the artist explores the rich territory of quilting-as-metaphor. It's on view through April 26.
Finding acceptance at the William Inge Theatre Festival
Independence, Kansas, celebrates a queer playwright and his work every year. It's a wholesome experience for all, regardless of identity.
Singing 'Ode to Joy' during days of disaster
The Wichita Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 this Saturday with a community chorus of more than 130 singers. For one chorus member, its famous anthem is a challenge to these discordant times.
Hidden in plain sight: Ernest Trova’s 'GOX #4'
This installment in an ongoing series about the City of Wichita's public art collection examines a 1975 steel sculpture on long-term loan to the city from Fidelity Bank.
Drama in the court: ICTRep presents 'Witness for the Prosecution' at the Historic Sedgwick County Courthouse
The Wichita theater company uses a real courtroom to dramatic effect in the Agatha Christie legal thriller. The nearly sold-out show runs through April 6.
Creative Lives Kansas: Lela Meadow-Conner
In this short documentary, the producer and curator talks about how she got into the film industry, wound up in Kansas, and set out on her own after 14 years at the Tallgrass Film Festival.
Kansas Senate proposes $1 million cut to arts funding, and arts advocates are asking for help
The future of the Kansas Arts Commission is in doubt as Kansas legislators negotiate over the state budget.
Busting moves: An expanded Wicked City Roller Derby skates into a new season
Wichita's roller derby league has grown to more than 40 skaters. For the first time in more than 15 years, Wicked City will field two home teams.
Mixed-media style: 'The Future is Fashion' at Envision Arts Gallery
The exhibition of fashion-inspired artworks and wearable pieces is on view at the Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center through May 30.
Small-town subversion: 'Book of Days' at Wichita Community Theatre
The College Hill theater delivers a strong production of Lanford Wilson’s powerful play, on stage through Sunday.
'Creepy, spooky, and downright terrifying': Joe Worley releases second horror comic anthology
"Death Itself, Vol. 2" includes work by Worley and fellow Wichita artists Dustin Parker and Suspicious Glaze. It's on sale later this month.
Overview effect: a juried exhibition at the Midwest Center for Photography demonstrates the diversity of the field
A selection of photos by 31 artists from around the world is on view at the Riverside gallery — and online — through March 28.