Later this month, a piece of space race history is viewable on Wichita State University’s campus. A special exhibition titled “Lowell Nesbitt: Apollo 1969” will go on display at the John Bardo Center from Aug. 19-Nov. 17, and feature prints made by artist Lowell Nesbitt.

Nesbitt was commissioned by NASA in 1969 to commemorate its Apollo 9 and 13 missions as part of the NASA Art Program. The exhibit was made possible through a new program at WSU’s Ulrich Museum of Art called Ulrich Connections, which ties the museum’s robust exhibition and event programming more directly to the world outside its walls.

Ulrich Director Leslie Brothers said the exhibition was not only a way to connect with other campus units, but also tapped into the ongoing excitement of celebrating the moon landing exactly a half century ago. Brothers said displaying the exhibition in the John Bardo Center was a perfect match because WSU faculty and students continue to conduct NASA-funded research there.

“As a university art museum, we are making connections through the collection around what people care about – across campus and in the community,” Brothers said.

Scott Miller, professor and chair of aerospace engineering at WSU and director of the NASA in Kansas organization, said visitors to the exhibition would find Nesbitt's artwork just as exciting today as audiences did the first time around.

"The Ulrich Museum, through the art of Lowell Nesbitt, once again captures the sights and emotions of an amazing time," Miller said. "The NASA in Kansas organization is extremely proud to play a small role in this exhibit.”

"Lowell Nesbitt: Apollo, 1969" is cosponsored by WSU’s College of Engineering and NASA in Kansas; the exhibition is free and open to the public.

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