Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Future Exhibitions

 

Sculpture by Mark Cowardin

Kansas Triennial 2025

August 5, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Rooted in the Beach Museum’s deep commitment to the region, this new signature exhibition—happening every three years—showcases the diverse and dynamic voices of artists who call Kansas home. The exhibition series invites us to reflect on Kansas’ spirit of growth and transformation, where the energy of place meets a culture of forward-thinking expression. The 2025 inaugural installation features works by Mona Cliff, Mark Cowardin, Poppy DeltaDawn, and Ann Resnick.
Image: Mark Cowardin, Just Passing Through...Again (detail), ladders, 2x4s, hardware, lights and electrical components. Image courtesy of the artist

 

1954.1

Rural America

September 2, 2025 – August 1, 2026

Works from the museum’s collection depict life in rural America, highlighting both the challenges rural communities face as well as the unique qualities that sustain them. These primarily historical images offer a lens through which to consider the struggles and strengths of today’s rural communities. The exhibition will be in two parts.
Image: Thomas Hart Benton, Meeting House, 1942, egg tempera and opaque watercolor, 18 3/4 x 25 7/8 in., 1954.1

 

Kansas Meatball 2007.111

STE[A]M: Exploring Science and Math through Art

Opening December 2, 2025

This colorful exhibition supports STE[A]M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math plus Art) learning experiences for school-age students and ARTSmart program participants at the Beach Museum of Art. Through works in the collection, students explore concepts in their science curriculum like light waves, refraction and the science behind rainbows. The exhibition is also used for the museum’s Intersection of Math and Art tour for older elementary and middle school students exploring geometric concepts like 2-D and 3-D tessellations.
Image: Alan Shields, Kansas Meatball, 1985 - 1998, acrylic on canvas over aluminum tubing, bolts and nuts, and cotton thread, 115 x 130 in., Alan Shields Memorial Fund, Ross and Marianna Kistler Beach Endowment, and gift from the Estate of William Salero, 2007.111

 

Collection Gallery

Collection Galleries

2025 Installation

The Beach Museum of Art is dedicated to celebrating the artistic legacy of Kansas and the surrounding region. Through presentations of the collection galleries, the museum strives to highlight a varied cross-section of works that reflect the culture, artistry, and history of this place. The exhibited works are curated from the 12,000+ objects preserved by the museum. Through these installations, the museum cultivates deeper connections, inspiring dialogue about identity, community, and the evolving role of art in capturing the spirit of the Midwest.
Image: A view of the Orval Hempler Gallery

 

Titles and dates are preliminary and subject to change. All planned exhibitions are contingent on available funding. Sponsorship opportunities are available for all exhibitions. Please contact the museum for more information.