Nothing is more alluring to an art enthusiast than the draw of a world-renowned gallery. Favorite venues like the Wichita Art Museum and Ulrich Museum of Art host their fair share of visitors, but are they the only places in town to catch a stunning exhibit? Discover four smaller galleries in Wichita that you really must see, but probably haven’t.
Mead Street Gallery
Mead Street Gallery is easy to miss, nestled near the shops in Old Town yet set apart. Find unique and locally made items such as vintage-inspired jewelry, blown glass pieces, and wooden home decor. Catch a glimpse of the creative process in full swing as artists work on their various projects right onsite.
Originality rules this gallery, and style is unlimited with 2-D canvas and 3-D metal pieces crafted primarily here in Kansas. Make sure to explore the booths out back, then sip a cup of tea and enjoy a bite of chocolate cake in its relaxing atmosphere.
Museum of World Treasures
Inspire your visual imagination at the Museum of World Treasures on First Street. Galleries filled with ancient wonders abound at the museum, from pre-Hispanic grave art to Apulian pottery which visually depicts the history of ancient Greece. Examine nature’s artwork with fascinating minerals, crystals, and stones on display.
History comes alive as you trek through time and experience dinosaurs, early Egyptians, and so much more. Deepen your appreciation for the arts and have coffee with the curator, hosted the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m.
Mid-America All-Indian Center
The works on display at the Mid-America All-Indian Center are more potent than mere words. Found along the Arkansas River, the center is home to a gallery, museum, and a gift shop. The mission here is to educate and preserve the art and culture of America’s native people.
See traditional artifacts such as beadwork, pipe bags, jewelry, pottery, and woven baskets. Delight in the largest public collection of legendary Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin’s artwork on permanent display. Find flags from over 70 tribes, proudly showcased in the center’s Gallery of Nations. Then shop for authentic Native American clothing and handcrafted gifts before you head home.
Tessera Fine Art Gallery
Indulge your sense of wonder and delight at Tessera Fine Art Gallery on East Douglas Avenue. This gallery’s 3,000 square feet is home to one of Wichita’s largest original art collections, studios, and classrooms. More than 40 local artisans showcase their diverse media and styles in the heart of downtown’s Old Town district.
Final Friday is one of the best times to hit Tessera’s gallery and the entire art scene in Old Town. Wichita’s art walk is the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of galleries in a fun and festive atmosphere. Most museums and exhibition halls open their doors for free, so come on down.
These are just four of the coolest galleries you really should see in Wichita. From the local monthly art crawl to the celebration of our country’s native culture, embark on your creative adventure today.
Photo by Ty Nigh | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
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