Envision Arts Gallery

09/10/2024

Big thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the opening of Connection Through Creativity, The 2nd Annual Looking Glass Exhibition! We were thrilled to have so many of the wonderful artists featured in this exhibition present for their opening night!

09/09/2024

The Envision Arts Program offers a variety of programs for all ages and experience levels!
Every week we host Open Art Studio for the Community
Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This workshop is designed for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, with any level of artistic abilities, with the goal of fostering creative growth in an accessible art studio. We provide the tools to be successful and independent in these creative practices. No prior experience necessary.

Registration and permission is required for all classes by the Senior Manager of Envision Arts. Call 316-440-1699 or email [email protected] for more information

09/06/2024

Join us TONIGHT First Friday, from 5-8PM to celebrate the opening of The Looking Glass' 2nd Annual Exhibition "Connection Through Creativity"!

Connection Through Creativity showcases artwork created by individuals supported by The Looking Glass. We invite you to immerse yourself in these diverse expressions of unique journeys, artistic visions, and courageous explorations of new possibilities.
Join us for First Friday at the Envision Arts Gallery on September 6th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM to celebrate the opening of this exhibition.
Throughout the evening you can meet the artists, experience their artwork, and participate in art activities inspired by the exhibition.

Free and open to the public!

First Friday, September 6th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

09/05/2024

Little artists with big ideas! Children of the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Childhood Development Center have been in the art studio creating their very own Kehinde Wiley inspired self-portraits. Their self-portraits are a reflection of their unique personalities and creativity. They have been exploring self-expression through art with these mini masterpieces!

“All art is self-portraiture.” – Kehinde Wiley

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09/02/2024

Coming this Friday!

CONNECTION THROUGH CREATIVITY
The Looking Glass 2nd Annual Exhibition

Join us First Friday, September 6th, from 5-8PM to celebrate the opening of "Connection Through Creativity"!
This exhibition showcases artwork created by individuals supported by The Looking Glass. We invite you to immerse yourself in these diverse expressions of unique journeys, artistic visions, and courageous explorations of new possibilities. This art exhibition serves as an ongoing platform to honor and celebrate the creative achievement of the individuals supported by The Looking Glass.

First Friday, July 5th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

09/02/2024

The Gallery will be closed today, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day!

08/30/2024

STARKEY IS HAPPY.
WIN FRIDAY.
GET HERE.

Today is the last day to see "New Perceptions" The 2nd Annual Starkey Art Exhibition, featuring Starkey Artists.
Stop by the gallery today to enjoy this uplifting artwork!

Image Description:
A purple sign with letters made of white, green, blue, and yellow pipe cleaners, with a red heart in each corner. It reads "STARKEY IS HAPPY WIN FRIDAY GET HERE".

08/29/2024

We've been nominated for a Best of Wichita award! Cast your vote to help us win Best Art Gallery!

Vote once per day from August 19th to September 9th.

08/29/2024

Check out this artwork from "New Perceptions" the 2nd Annual Starkey Art Exhibition! Currently on display in our Patricia A. Peer Window Gallery.

Image Descriptions:
1. A tree made from yarn with blue, green, and yellow buttons and sequins for leaves. The background is different shades of green yarn, with a blue yarn ocean and sky in the background, and a yellow sun peaking over the horizon.
2. An abstract blue painting, with a sandy beach at the bottom.
3. Pink, purple, and orange flowers constructed from paper, their stems in a cup attached to an abstract green background.
4. Dandelions made from cotton swabs, on a canvas background painted with green grass.
5. An abstract pour painting with blues greens, orange, and white.
6. A yellow canvas with abstract orange, red, and blue flowers.
7. A painting of flowerpots on a red table with a blue background. The left pot has a leafy green plant, the middle pot has yellow and pink flowers, the pot on the right has a small cactus.

08/27/2024

Thank you to the American Institute of Wine and Food for choosing the Envision Arts Gallery to host Canvas & Corks: A Fusion of Wine & Art! We appreciate your support in our mission, partnering with both Envision Arts and Liquid Art Winery to highlight the talents of blind and visually impaired individuals. We had a wonderful time sharing our story with your excited and engaged audience!

08/23/2024

📬📨Free Matter For The Blind 📬📨
Did you know that the US Postal Service allows blind and visually impaired individuals to send accessible materials postage free? This morning for our Creative Arts Meet Up we made tactile post cards to send to our pen pals!
Stay tuned for more Creative Arts Meet Ups coming soon! Engage with our mission, enjoy a relaxed and creative environment, and support our cause!

08/20/2024

✨Artist Highlight ✨

We recently installed “Negotiation Like A Forest” by Tomiyo Tajiri at Woosley Hall at Wichita State University!
This four-panel set depicts the changing seasons in mixed-media high-relief collage. Beautifully painted backgrounds host three-dimensional trees filled with HUNDREDS of origami cranes and flowers. Each piece is heavily adorned with beads, sequins, and glass pebbles, making them sparkle and highlighting the natural beauty of these idyllic landscapes.
Tomiyo Tajiri is a beloved member of Envision Arts, known for her friendly personality and persistent art making! Tomiyo’s artwork is inspired by the landscapes of her childhood, often depicting Japanese flora and fauna with vibrant colors. She uses traditional Japanese art forms to create paper flowers and origami cranes, folding paper by feel and muscle memory.

Visit Woosley Hall to experience these incredible pieces, pictures do not do justice to the depth and detail of this artwork!

Learn More about Tomiyo Tajiri at our website: https://www.envisionartsgallery.com/

Image Descriptions
1. Four large panels depicting the seasons, from the bottom left counterclockwise they represent Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
2. Tomiyo Tajiri in the studio, sculpting a clay floral arrangement
3. “Summer: High Power” a 48”x48” canvas with a blue and green background, showing the depth of a forest. Four tree trunks in the foreground are lifted from the canvas, their wire branches reaching towards the viewer. The trees are filled with cranes, perched in their branches suspended midair, creating a feeling of life and movement. Paper and silk flowers bloom in the trees, interlaced with sparkling beads. Paper roses grow at the base of the trees, among colorful pebbles.
4. “Autumn: High Happiness” a 48”x36” canvas depicting the changing colors of the trees, a blue background is obscured by bright orange and leaves at the top of the canvas. Two trees branch from the sides of the canvas towards each other, filled with dancing paper cranes and blooming origami flowers. Yellow ginkgo leaves shower the canvas, falling towards the heavily ornamented ground, decorated with glass and flowers.
5. “Winter: Appreciation” a 44”x34” canvas painted with dark swirling blues. Dimensional branches cover the canvas, adorned with faceted beads that sparkle like frost. Paper flowers fill the branches, with paper cranes tucked into their folds.
6. “Spring: Gets The Energy” a 48”x48” canvas, painted with a bright blue sky. Green tree branches curl away from the background, budding with blossoms and filled with baby cranes. A river of string flows from the canvas, washing paper leaves down it. Brightly colored paper and silk flowers bloom, filling the ground with foliage.
7. A closeup of Spring, twisted paper branches curl away from the canvas. Tiny origami cranes hang from the branches, flying through the forest. Paper flowers bloom from the tree.
8. A closeup of Summer, densely packed paper flowers folded from colorful patterned paper fill the frame.
9. A closeup of Autumn, multicolored origami flowers, paper grasses, and gingko leaves obscure the background.
10. A closeup of Autumn, the ground is littered with fallen flowers, ginkgo leaves, and twigs.

08/15/2024

Gaining Perspectives Fun-raiser for Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center

TONIGHT from 6-8PM!

Join us for an art-filled adventure of discovering art from other perspectives. Explore life through the eyes of those with visual impairments. Get creative with a hands-on, unique art project to talk home. Experience Envision Arts Gallery's mesmerizing exhibition, "Colors of the Wind," showcasing the extraordinary work of George Mendoza, a visionary artist and advocate who has been painting masterpieces despite losing his sight at a young age. Let your senses be your guide on this unforgettable artistic journey while supporting artists with blindness.

Link to learn more about the exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/events/1034470745346158/

This event is open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
$10 suggested donation. Additional donations are accepted at the door.
We’re meeting at Envision Arts Gallery, 801 E Douglas Ave Suite 106, Wichita, KS 67202
Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/EnvisionFunRaiser

Image Descriptions:
1. A close up photo of an eye with text overlayed "Gaining Perspectives, Fun-raiser for Envision Arts Gallery, August 15, 2024 from 6 to 8 PM", with the Envision Arts logo and Badass Women of Wichita Alliance logo at the bottom.
2. A large flower of life outlined with puffy paint on canvas, several of the intersections have been decorated with tactile art materials.
3. A close up of a pair of hands decorating a small flower of life with sand and beads.
4. A bunch of individual flowers of life laid together coming together to create a continuous pattern, overlaid with green
5. A woman wearing eye shades pouring yellow sand onto a flower of life.

08/13/2024

The Envision Arts Gallery is CLOSED this week!

Visit us next week to see George Mendoza's "Colors of the Wind" and The 2nd Annual Starkey Art Exhibition "New Perceptions"!

08/06/2024

We had a blast hosting George Mendoza last week! His visit was filled with creative energy and vibrant discussions. First Friday was an unforgettable evening, bringing together art lovers and fostering a sense of community. Many familiar faces and newcomers gathered to hear George's uplifting story.

Thank you George Mendoza for sharing your artistry and passion with us. Your presence has left a lasting impression, and we can’t wait to see what you create next!

08/03/2024

Thank you everyone for joining us for First Friday last night! We had a wonderful evening hosting you all for conversations, laughter, and new friendships!
Thank you George Mendoza for sharing your story, your art, and your vibrant personality!

If you didn't get to meet George Mendoza last night, you have until 1PM TODAY to get down to the Envision Arts Gallery! Join us for coffee and a reading of George Mendoza's book "Colors of the Wind!"

08/02/2024

Meet George Mendoza!

Elevate your experience of "Colors of the Wind" by hearing about the artwork from George himself!
We are excited to have George present at the Envision Arts Gallery TONIGHT, Frist Friday, from 5-9PM, and tomorrow, Saturday August 2nd from 10AM-1PM!

Don't miss these exciting opportunities to learn about George's experience as a blind artist and hear the stories behind his paintings!

"Colors of the Wind" will be on display in our Main Gallery until September 27th.
On loan from the Ellen Noel Art Museum of Odessa, TX.

08/01/2024

Join us tomorrow night, First Friday from 5-9PM to celebrate the opening of "New Perceptions" the 2nd Annual Starkey Art Exhibition! In the Patricia A. Peer Window Gallery, this exhibition is a diverse collection of artistic expressions from Starkey artists. Each artwork reflects personal journeys, creative visions, and the courage to explore new possibilities. Join us this First Friday to experience these dynamic artworks!

First Friday, July 5th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

07/31/2024

Coming this Friday!

Join us for First Friday, August 2nd, from 5PM-9PM to experience the works of George Mendoza and meet the artist himself! This exhibition, "Colors of the Wind," boasts 39 large paintings that fill our gallery with color and life! Throughout the evening you will have the opportunity to hear George speak about this moving exhibition and create your own art inspired by the exhibit!
A selection of prints from this exhibition will be available for purchase.

On loan from the Ellen Noel Art Museum of Odessa, TX.

First Friday, August 2nd
5:00 - 9:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

07/29/2024

Thank you Clarke Reynolds!

Thanks to Clarke’s generous donation of his American Way Words exhibit, we were able to donate a portion of the proceeds from artwork sales to VICTA!
VICTA is a UK charity that provides support to children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted and their families. VICTA’s support, advice, grants and activities enable young people and their families to build skills, develop confidence and help each other toward a more positive future.

Clarke, we commend you for your dedication to disability awareness and inclusivity!

07/27/2024

🌿🌿🌿 Planting Party 🌿🌿🌿

Over the past few weeks in the Envision Arts Studio students have been hand building planters and screen printing glaze designs! Yesterday they brought their pots to the gallery for a Planting Party! It is so rewarding to mold a lump of clay into a useable object, these plants bring the artwork to life!

Image Descriptions:
1. A group photo of students standing behind a table of plants
2. A pair of hands planting succulents in a small bowl
3. A mother and son at a table, cutting a clay slab
4. A woman smiling with a bright orange planter with multiple plants and glass beads
5. two women at a table scooping dirt into their planters
6. A woman kneeling on the floor shaping a large clay pot
7. A woman scooping dirt into a white planter with purple designs
8. One student helping another put dirt in around a plant
9. A pair of hands applying a glaze transfer to a clay planter
10. A woman applying glaze transfers to a clay printer

07/26/2024

Last chance! Today is the last day to experience Tiny But Mighty, the American Tapestry Alliance's biennial small format tapestry exhibition! Artists in this exhibition have stepped outside their comfort zone to create tactile tapestries, utilizing various textile techniques to enhance the feel of their pieces. We thank the 104 artists from around the world for their dedication to their craft and willingness to try new things! This exhibition has brought so much inspiration to artists of all mediums to create artworks accessible to all!

Image Descriptions:
1. A tapestry depicting a beach and ocean with whales, with the text "Last Chance"
2. A grouping of 19 small tapestries arranged in a grid
3. "View from Huntington Estate, Colorado" by Gina Wimberly-Gard, a trail surrounded by green leading to a pink, snow capped mountain, with pink and blue sunset.
4. "Elevation: Kansas Isn't Flat" by Lu-Fiskin Ross, a Kansas-shaped tapestry made with a gradient of yarns ranging in weight and texture to create a varied terrain from west to east, in a gradient of orange, brown, yellow, green, and blue.
5. "Tatazumu" by Kaori Okabayashi, a lantern lit food stand, surrounded by water color-like blues and greens
6. A panoramic picture of many tapestries on a wall
7. "Kenosha Lighthouse" by Jerilyn Collenberg, a red lighthouse with a dusky sky, light reflecting on water ripples
8. "Gel-Odes 2" by Fannie Lee, a small white tapestry with weft threads left dangling like tassels, a band of blue across the middle is pocked by red and yellow blobs.

07/23/2024

Meet Savannah, the creative force behind this week's Stories from the Studio!

Savannah is a happy, and enthusiastically creative member of Envision’s PRIDE Program, People Reaching for Independence and the Development of Excellence. Savannah has a repetitive pattern to her mark-making technique, creating continuous spirals, and is always so excited to use new mediums to express her spirals. In 2016, 6 of her works were selected to be installed as the opening art exhibition in the Aloft Hotel lobby for nearly three years. In collaboration with Liquid Art Winery and Estates in Manhattan, Kansas, a special, limited edition wine label featuring the artwork in the Envision logo by two artists from the Envision Arts program. Savannah’s art can be found on the Reserve Chardonnay wine label.
Savannah is a perfect example of how creative expression is cultivated from within, building confidence and enriching hearts and minds.
To learn more about the services and programs provided by Envision, visit us at www.Envisionus.com !

Image Descriptions:
1. Savannah working in the art studio, hands up and smiling, painting on a black tank top.
2. Savannah in the art gallery, coloring an enlarged puzzle piece adorned in different colors of pinks and yellows
3. A wide shot of several of Savannah's works which hang in the Aloft Hotel.
4. A close up of one of Savannah's art works, an abstract painting of a variety of color; greens, reds, yellows.

07/22/2024

Enjoy this selection of works from George Mendoza's "Colors of the Wind", currently on display in our main gallery until September 27th!
On loan from the Ellen Noel Art Museum of Odessa, TX.

Image Descriptions:
1. A panoramic picture of a large wall with twelve colorful paintings: Windows to the Soul, Colors of the Wind 2010, Another View, Rock Art, Window Eyes #2, Earth and Sky #5, First Rays of the Sun, Earth and Sky #4, Swept Away, Window Eyes, Colors of the Wind 2008, Stop Light.
2. Colors of the Wind 2008, A dark blue background with swirls of yellow, a bright yellow sun is in the bottom left corner.
3. Colors of the Wind 2010, an abstract painting with dark blue at the top and bottom of the canvas, stripes of orange and deep red muddle together.
4. First Rays of the Sun, bright red, orange, and yellow rays of sun extend upward from the bottom of the canvas, dotted with blue eyes.
5. Stop Light, a dark blue background with an orange and red sun in the upper left corner and an abstract stoplight on the right. Squares with orange and green lights fill the middle of the canvas.
6. Earth and Sky #5, an orange sun in the top right corner with rays flowing down, with eyes and blue in the background and green leaves in the foreground.
7. Window Eyes, gray squares frame multicolored eyes, on a yellow background.
8. Windows to the Soul, five multicolored eyes fill the canvas, with swirling colors in the background
9. Another View, an orange background is divided by a blue grid, the grid containing blue, purple, green, red, and black squares.

07/20/2024

The Damascus Fiber Arts School of Damascus, Oregon is non-profit formed to promote awareness and appreciation of the art of hand weaving, and provide the opportunity to learn hand weaving and its related activities in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Their group entry for the American Tapestry Alliance "Tiny But Mighty" exhibition was prompted by the question "What If?" Their members have created these beautiful, thought-provoking, and comedic tapestries!

Image Descriptions:
1. 20 small tapestries arranged in a grid, depicting a variety of subject matter
2. "What If Robin Invited Me To Lunch?" by Terry Olson. A mother robin holds a worm in her beak for two chicks and a woman in a nest with mouths wide open
3. "What If Pigs Could Fly?" by Beth Scarth. A pig with flight goggles and a red cape soars through the clouds
4. A grouping of six small tapestries from left to right and top to bottom: a gold Celtic knot on green background, autumn leaves on purple background, a blue figure and an orange figure holding hands, an artist painting on a canvas in a forest, a dragonfly, the word "VOTE" on a rainbow background
5. A grouping of four small tapestries: the words "What if" in rainbow letters on a dark blue background, a stone statue of Adam holding a red apple, a flying pig, a small house surrounded by swirling wind on a dark blue background
6. "What If Flowers Were Square So They Were Easier to Weave?" by Linda Gormley. A variety of square flowers in pinks, purples, red, and white on a blue background
7. "What If There Really Is An Elephant in The Room?" by Pat Turley. An elephant sitting on a red stool in a yellow room, the elephants tail protrudes from the tapestry with a small pink bow on the end
8. "What If All My Yarn Is Yellow And Orange?" by Cheryl Silverblatt. A room with windows and a geometric border in all yellow and orange tones
9. "What If There Had Been Room?" by Patricia Price. A unicorn standing on the shore while the ark drifts out to sea
10. "What If There Was No Color" by Althea Jordan. 10 circles arranged in a crescent shape, the top half of the tapestry is white with black circles, the bottom half is black with white circles

07/17/2024

The Envision Arts Gallery will be CLOSED Wednesday, July 17th.

Stop by another time to see "Tiny But Mighty" and "Colors of the Wind"!

07/16/2024

Are you or someone you know blind or visually impaired and searching for a creative outlet? Join us at Envision Arts for a variety of programs for all skill levels!

All classes are held at the ARSI Expressive Arts Center in the lower level of our headquarters at 610 N. Main St., Wichita, Kan., 67203 unless stated otherwise.

Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Open Art Studio for the Community
This workshop is designed for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, with any level of artistic abilities, with the goal of fostering creative growth in an accessible art studio. We provide the tools to be successful and independent in these creative practices. No prior experience necessary.

2nd Tuesday of the Month, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
New Student Orientation
Must be scheduled and accompanied by a Community Services or EVRC team member unless special arrangements have been made by the Senior Manager of Envision Arts. Envision Arts invites prospective students to tour the arts studio and meet students and staff. Program information is provided and a follow-up phone consultation with the Senior Manager of Envision Arts is required to determine eligibility.

Thursday, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Creative Practices in Production Arts for Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Workshops will be designed to explore new projects, such as seasonal exhibitions and community collaborations, that will advance your personal practice. These will aim to provide you with new learning opportunities to accelerate your professional development as a creative.

Friday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., $2 suggested donation
Bi-Weekly Creative Connections
Join us for pastries, coffee and creative conversations where we will explore new projects, techniques and applications. Guest presenters and art facilitators from the community will join us along with the Envision Arts team to bring new ideas that spark innovation and inspire meaningful intentions for creative practices.

Registration and permission is required for all classes by the Senior Manager of Envision Arts. Call 316-440-1699 or email [email protected] for more information.