WSU Receives $1 Million For Care, Preservation Of Outdoor Sculpture Collection

KMUW

Published November 11, 2016 at 3:05 PM CST

"Millipede" by artist Tom Otterness is part of WSU's collection of sculpture.

Wichita State University has received a gift of more than $1 million for the care of the school's acclaimed collection of outdoor art.

The Joan S. Beren Outdoor Sculpture Conservation Fund will provide resources for the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the Joan Miró mural "Personnages Oiseaux," which adorns the south wall of the Ulrich Museum of Art. The fund will also be used to help care for and preserve the 75 other pieces in the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection spread across the WSU campus.

"Joan was proud of Wichita State for many reasons, but she especially treasured its magnificent art collection," said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. "This gift to help preserve the quality and integrity of our outdoor sculptures is one that came from her heart and soul."

Beren, a longtime supporter of Wichita State in the areas of arts, athletics and student aid, died last January. During her life, Beren served two terms on the WSU Board of Trustees, including one as its chairwoman. She also chaired the Ulrich's Outdoor Sculpture Committee for several years.

According to the university, Beren supported many of WSU’s cultural initiatives, including the restoration of the Miró mosaic mural, the commissioning of the Tom Otterness sculpture “Millipede,” and many Ulrich art exhibitions.

A map and images of the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection can be found here.

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