Dec 12 Friday
The urge to create or possess a visual representation of a specific person – a portrait – is present throughout history. Portraits are created for many reasons: from sentimental to celebratory, for public or private viewing, as memorials, and as icons. .
Until the introduction of photography in the 1840s, portraits were rendered by artists in both two and three-dimensional mediums such as paintings and sculptures.
The Museum’s collection includes a variety of portraits, most of which depict local people. In this exhibition, we learn of portraiture and the people portrayed.
On view during regular Museum hours
March 2025 - March 2026
Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main
Located in the Musem's Lois Kay Walls Gallery - 3rd Floor
Join a classic high fantasy Dungeons & Dragons campaign! New participants are welcome, but this campaign is designed for experienced players. For ages 13-18. Call (316) 350-3261 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.
ZAKK SABBATH: American Winter Tour ‘25w/ Special Guests Bonfire and Dark Chapel
All AgesSupport acts subject to change.Wear your Cotillion merch and jump to the front of the GA line. Coat check is open during events to check your coats, hats, merch and more. Coat check is located next to merch by the front doors. All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds unless a show is cancelled or postponed.
ZAKK SABBATH is the BLACK SABBATH cover band featuring guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE), bassist Blasko (OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE) and drummer Joey Castillo (DANZIG, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE)
Dec 13 Saturday
Use a free 3D modeling program, Tinkercad, to create digital objects in three dimensions. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.
In honor of Jane Austen's 250th birthday on December 13th, we are hosting a regency-themed party in honor of the celebrated author. There will be Jane Austen-themed trivia, games, prizes and more!
Dec 14 Sunday
Wichitans desired to be modern since the City’s beginning in 1870. The Modern era had been evolving for a century at that time and it would take another 100 years before Wichita achieved a “modern” look. World War II (1939-1945) greatly disrupted development in design.
Over the next two decades, postwar prosperity propelled design of the modern era to its zenith. By that time, Wichita’s modernization was most apparent in its new urban 1969 skyline, which remains in place today.
In the 1950s and 1960s, modern design from architecture to fashions and furnishings became familiar as people followed popular trends replacing old with new. Visual art and advertising led the way for the modern look - which by the 1960s, people referred to as “Mod.” This new look coincided with changes as society became more pluralistic and increasingly aware of its diversity. The post-war baby boom gave rise to a prominent youth culture creating new markets. New technology improving the ability to travel and share information led to wide acceptance of modern style.
This modern sensibility cast a popular and unifying mindset. This era featured non-representational abstract design to create engaging effects rather than portray objects or scenes. The effects were both dazzling and confusing, challenging everyone’s perception of reality. Our visual world was forever changed.
(This exhibition follows (and is directly patterned after) the Museum’s previous exhibit Art Deco on the Plains. It takes the timeline forward to explore modern design experienced locally in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition is a feature of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Art History Series.)
On view through 2025 in the Slawson Gallery, 4th floor.
Dec 15 Monday
Parents/caregivers with children 12-36 months old will enjoy a weekly play session attended by community resource specialists to answer your questions about child development. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.
Join us for a discussion at the Rockwell Branch! October: "In Sunshine or in Shadows" by Bowen; November: "German Girl" by Correa; December: "Christmas Mysteries" by various authors.
Dec 16 Tuesday
Join us for a screening of the film RENT (2005). Feel free to get creative while you watch, too, with our adult coloring sheets and extreme dot-to-dot puzzles. Popcorn provided.
Learn about what is needed to protect your personal computer and its content.
Dec 17 Wednesday
Bring your current project and enjoy the classic needle arts in the company of others who share your interest in knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch and weaving. All skill levels are welcome. Please note this program will not occur on 12/24.