Woolsey Hall, the home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, has a new art installation in partnership with the Envision Arts Program. Patrick McCowan is the third artist who is visually impaired to be featured on the third floor of the Barton School.
“Students, faculty, staff and visitors to the Barton School have found a lot of joy, perspective and inspiration from our Envision Arts installation,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School of Business. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Envision by showcasing Patrick’s work.”
McCowan is primarily a two-dimensional artist that explores spatial relationships while pushing three-dimensional boundaries, resulting in a body of work that is both visually intriguing and mentally stimulating. He also enjoys creating sculptural work. McCowan had his first solo exhibition at the Envision Arts Gallery in October 2022 located in downtown Wichita. His sticker collage magnets are also available for purchase at Vortex Souvenir in the Delano neighborhood. He is a Wichita native who is highly active in the community. He works for Catholic Charities and Panera while also volunteering at Open Door and Our Daily Bread Food Pantry each week.
“Patrick creates vibrant and dynamic pieces thatcontinue to impress and excite audiences all over the country,” said Sarah Kephart, Envision Arts Program Manager. “It’s been wonderful to see him grow as an artist over the years. I hope all those who visit Woolsey Hall make their way to the third floor to see his work for themselves.”
The Barton School’s Woolsey Hall art collection and its promotion of visual artists, which includes the Envision Arts Program rotating installation, is rooted in a commitment to helping its business students blossom. By developing creative and artistic mindsets, the Barton School opens its students’ eyes to innovative and inspired solutions.
“At Envision, we strive to foster a culture ofinnovation, inclusion and diversity,” said Michael Monteferrante, Envision President and CEO. “Our Envision Arts Program is an important step to connect this culture to a larger audience. We’re grateful to the Barton School of Business for featuring art installations in Woolsey Hall to help us progress our mission of empowering people who are blind or visually impaired by helping them thrive.”
For more information on the Barton School of Business, please visit wichita.edu/academics/business/