The Museum of Art + Light (MoA + L) in Manhattan, Kansas, is currently spotlighting the work of Dean Mitchell through two concurrent exhibitions that honor over 40 years of his artistic achievement
Heritage & the Human Condition:
Duration: August 20, 2025 – March 8, 2026 (Fine Art Gallery)
Overview: A sweeping retrospective featuring more than 50 pieces—watercolors, oils, drawings, and prints—tracing Mitchell’s evolution from his early figurative studies to mature works exploring time, place, and identity. Themes such as rural and urban life, African American experience, heritage, and quiet dignity are central century. Taking place in our Open Room in Floor 2.
The Erosion of Time: A Digital Collaboration
Duration: September 6, 2025 – April 30, 2026 (Mezmereyz “The Mez” Gallery)
Concept: A massive 21,500‑square‑foot immersive installation developed in collaboration with digital artist Des Lucréce. This multisensory journey blends Mitchell’s painted work with motion graphics, sound, and light to explore memory, belonging, and interwoven histories
Why It Matters
- These twin exhibitions mark Mitchell’s first ever comprehensive retrospective, complemented by his debut in immersive digital storytelling
- The pairing of Mitchell’s expressive figurative work with modern digital media sets a bold new precedent for museums in combining traditional and contemporary modes of visual narrative.
Special Events & Highlights
- To celebrate the openings, MoA + L will host a Blue Note & Black‑Tie Gala on Saturday, September 13, 2025. This event launches the exhibitions and includes tours of several new immersive and fine‑art galleries
- Publications like Western Art Collector feature detailed analysis of Mitchell’s visual themes and the significance of this Kansas exhibition
Planning Your Visit to MOA+L
- Expect a full, engaging experience deepening your understanding of American art, identity, and storytelling through both traditional and immersive forms.
- If you’re interested in Mitchell’s technique, visiting artist talks or workshops (when available) and early tours of the digital installation can offer deeper insight into his process and themes.
