From: Sarah Towle <[email protected]>
Date: October 16, 2015 at 11:27:35 AM CDT
To: “[email protected]” <[email protected]>, “[email protected]” <[email protected]>
Subject: [All Faculty & Staff] A new era for the arts at Washburn University

 

The Washburn University Foundation is thrilled to announce an incredible gift that will create a new artistic legacy at Washburn University.  Internationally-renowned artist and sculptor Rita Blitt, along with her husband Irwin, have provided the Mulvane Art Museum with its most significant gift to date, paving the way for an exciting future for the regional art community. The gift includes a significant portion of Rita’s life work and will provide for a stunning gallery addition as the first phase of plans for a new performing arts venue. In a second phase, this new venue will also include a recital hall that seats 250. The arts venue will be located north of White Concert Hall. The gift will also allow for traveling exhibits to showcase Blitt’s work at galleries across the country.  Rita said they selected Washburn University because of its commitment to the arts and vision for the future. Washburn University is humbled and deeply honored to receive this priceless gift from one of the most celebrated artists of our time. Rita’s generosity and enthusiasm will allow us to create a wonderful space for her artwork, which will continue to inspire others for many years to come. The Mulvane Art Museum is a wonderful regional resource, and this generous gift will bring new opportunities to our campus. It’s an investment in the community, an investment in the university, and an investment in our students’ education. A Kansas City favorite, Blitt has installed more than 45 sculptures both locally and throughout the world. Rita Blitt’s work bridges the world of visual art, music, and dance, and creates unique opportunities to explore and celebrate art where vision, sound, and movement intersect. She wrote and starred in Caught in Paint, a six-minute documentary featuring the David Parsons Dance Co.

Washburn University Foundation 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604

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Mail Sent to ALL Washburn Faculty and Staff