arts

Black artwork from Trinidad, Haiti, New York and Dallas will be featured at Wichita State University on Friday and Saturday as part of the annual “Art That Touches Your Heart” exhibition.

Organizer Janice Thacker says showcasing African-American artwork from Wichita and around the world offers attendees a window into black culture.

"I worked as a road artist for seven years and I have met these dealers and these artists and they are passionate about their work," Thacker says. "They are the ones that are carrying our history with a paintbrush and a sculpture."

Steven Spielberg's masterpiece E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is one of the most beloved films ever made, and ranks No. 4 all-time in box office adjusted for inflation. This weekend, the Wichita Symphony will perform John Williams' Oscar-winning score for E.T. live while the movie itself is projected on a giant screen for the audience.

This story was updated on Thursday, May 16

A change in leadership is coming to Wichita’s arts and cultural services division.

Longtime manager John D’Angelo resigned April 26. City officials say he left to take a similar job in Oxnard, California, but that might not have happened. This week, Oxnard announced layoffs in arts and culture, and proposed closing its performing arts center and a museum, according to the Ventura County Star.

Canvas art, African artifacts and black history backpacks will be part of the African-American art show that opens Friday night at Wichita State University.

Danielle Johnson, assistant director of WSU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, says the "Art That Touches Your Heart" art show, in its eighth year, began as a partnership with Wichita artist Janice Thacker.

"It provides a way for the university and the community to partner and celebrate black art together," Johnson says.

If you want to provide feedback on the future of Century II as a performing arts venue, here's your chance.

Members of the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee will make presentations at District Advisory Board meetings throughout Wichita in January.

The Wichita Symphony is adding something special to its performances: a new Steinway Concert Grand Piano.

The piano will make its public debut at this weekend’s concerts. World-renowned pianist Stephan Hough will join the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for performances of Antonin Dvorak’s Piano Concerto Saturday and Sunday.