The Ulrich Museum of Art puts most of its collection on view in ‘Bare It All’

The Wichita museum calls the move ‘a rare act of transparency’

The Ulrich Museum of Art puts most of its collection on view in ‘Bare It All’
"Bare it All" includes works from many mediums in the museum's collection, including sculpture, painting, and collage. Courtesy photo by Madison Bowron.

The following announcement is based on a press release from the Ulrich Museum of Art.

This August, Wichita State’s art museum will do something few art institutions attempt: place most of its permanent collection on public view at once.

Opening August 27, “Bare It All” fills every gallery with paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and multimedia works spanning generations, styles, and subject matter. Many of these works have spent years in storage.

“Bare It All” is a statement about transparency, stewardship, and the evolving role of museums, according to leadership.

"Museums are grappling with the reality and sustainability of collecting," said Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director. "This exhibition brings those questions to the forefront. Not limited to how much we collect, but who decides which stories are told and whose voices are represented. I want visitors to experience what emerges when almost nothing is left behind."

“Bare It All” extends beyond the museum's walls, bringing art into neighborhoods and everyday spaces throughout Wichita through a program called Ulrich in Motion. A free Ulrich in Motion passport encourages visitors to explore participating locations.

The monthslong project also includes exhibitions and projects co-created with local artists, organizations, and community partners.

A free opening reception will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, August 27. 

“Bare It All” will be on view through June 2027. The museum’s regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. Thursdays. Admission to the museum is free, and the facility is accessible to people with physical disabilities. 

Learn more about the exhibition on the museum’s website


Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.

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