In 2016, the Mulvane Art Museum received more than 2500 artworks (paintings, drawings, sculptures, and
archival materials) that represent the creative life of Kansas artist, Rita Blitt. Inspired by music and dance and
compelled by an inner voice that drives her to create, the collection serves as a witness to the pursuit of one
artist as she endeavors to capture and contain an artistic vision inspired by line, movement, music, and life.
The collection brings exponential opportunities to the Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, and the
surrounding community. It is our vision that students, faculty, and guest curators will utilize the collection to
create exhibitions, performances, compositions, and interpretive programs that utilize the Rita Blitt Collection in
ways that allow us to explore art, music, dance, and life through her work.
FELLOWSHIP AWARD
Named in honor of Rita Blitt’s husband Irwin Blitt (1928-2017), who was a constant source of unconditional
support to Rita and her creative spirit, the fellowship is awarded to a Washburn University student who
works with the Rita Blitt Collection during an academic year to research and develop a curatorial project under
the guidance of museum curatorial staff and a faculty mentor. Curatorial projects culminate in an exhibition or an
interactive multi-media project with interpretive content, the presentation of a choreographed dance
performance or musical composition, or the completion of a research paper or catalogue.
Curating an exhibition, performance, interdisciplinary, or multi-media project requires idea development and
refinement of an exhibition storyline, selection and research of artwork utitlizing and contextualizing the Rita Blitt
collection, and the development and oversight of project timeline and budget. Final projects may be completed
as a Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE) or a Washburn University Apeiron presentation, and will
be archived as a part of the Rita Blitt Collection at the Mulvane Art Museum. Students may receive college
credit for the fellowship project with cooperation from their academic department and faculty advisor.
For more information, contact Connie Gibbons, Director, Mulvane Art Museum: connie.gibbons@washburn.edu.
