Based on extensive research that led to the award winning book, Kansas Murals: A Traveler’s Guide (co-authored with Lora Jost), and his experience as a professional muralist for more than thirty years, Dave Loewenstein explores the artists, meaning, and impetus for creation behind the state’s rich collection of public murals. From the iconic John Steuart Curry murals in the state capitol to the frescoes of Jean Charlot in Atchison, post office murals from the New Deal era and the many community murals done by townspeople across the state, this talk digs deep into how our murals reflect an image of who we are as Kansans. As a practicing muralist himself, Loewenstein adds another layer to these stories by sharing professional insight into the technical and organizational process behind the murals. Highlights include Kansas’s connection to the great Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, the murals created under the auspices of the WPA, the question of graffiti or spray can art’s relationship to other murals, special focus on the murals in the region where the talk is given, and a behind the scenes look at the creation of one of Loewenstein’s own community-based murals in Kansas.

To schedule this presentation, visit the Humanities Kansas website.