Kansas State University

Earlier this month, the Beach Museum of Art in collaboration with McCain Auditorium brought three distinguished guest artists to K-State for a residency and two public programs. This included six-time Grammy winning musician and composer Terence Blanchard, multimedia artist Andrew F. Scott and Oscar winning screenwriter and director Kevin Willmott (pictured left to right). While here, Mr. Blanchard visited Manhattan High School and gave an inspiring speech to students of the junior class. He also attended a rehearsal of Professor Wayne Goins’ K-State Jazz Ensemble where he listened in and led a group critique. That evening at McCain Auditorium, the conversation Art Matters Now: Three Artists Reflect featured a panel discussion between Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Scott and Mr. Willmott. Each shared their thoughts on the enduring legacy of Kansas native Gordon Parks. They explored ideas about how creativity may be used to promote and inspire societal change. Citing a range of mediums including music, art, film and photography, the discussion centered on the role that representation plays in building empathy.

A concert held the following night, Presence of Absence: Gordon Parks through an Empathic Lens, featured Terence Blanchard on trumpet along with the E-Collective and the Turtle Island Quartet. Set against a dynamic virtual backdrop, the kaleidoscope of imagery included a montage of Gordon Parks’ photographs juxtaposed with text as well as images from the live performance. Created by artist and digital mastermind Andrew F. Scott, in collaboration with students from UT Dallas and K-State, the visuals evolved in real time in sync with the music. The riveting performance capped off an exceptional series of programs centered on the Beach Museum’s exhibition Gordon Parks: “Homeward to the Prairie I Come” on view in the Pelton Gallery through May 28, 2022. Click here to view the virtual exhibition.

Photos courtesy of Roxanne Minnish.