The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University presents a new exhibition, In Bloom, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the K-State Gardens. The exhibition showcases floral imagery from the museum’s collection and is part of the museum’s annual collaboration with the Manhattan Public Library’s summer reading program. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” ties into the vibrant nature of the exhibit.
The display features significant pieces such as Dale Chihuly’s Imperial Iris Persian Pair and George Braque’s Cubist work Les Marguerites. Contemporary artists including Renée Stout, Karsten Creightney, and Kate Nessler also contribute, with Nessler’s Lady Slipper Orchid receiving recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society. A quilt from the Historic Textile and Costume Museum adds historical depth.
Several Midwestern artists, including John F. Helm Jr., Avis Chitwood, Birger Sandzén, and Grant Wood, are also represented, including Wood’s Tame Flowers, which stands out as a highlight.
The exhibition is designed to engage visitors of all ages. School tours will focus on botany and scientific drawing, while the museum’s summer ARTSmart programs will incorporate discussions on pollinators and related art projects. The exhibition is co-curated by Kathrine Schlageck and Gabriella Randall, a K-State student.
In Bloom runs from February 25 through August 30 and is free to the public, with an upcoming event featuring artist Karsten Creightney on March 6.
The Beach Museum of Art is on the southeast corner of the K-State campus at 701 Beach Lane. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission to the museum is free, and free parking is available adjacent to the building. To catch a livestream event or view exhibitions online, visit the museum’s website, or watch videos of the museum’s special programs and events on its YouTube channel. For a calendar of programs and events, visit the museum’s calendar.
