Shaunte’ Levine is the recipient of the fourth annual Launch Award through Harvester Arts and the Wichita State School of Art, Design and Creative Industries (ADCI).

Levine will assist with the expansion of the ChainLink Gallery, located at the site of the former pop-up park in downtown Wichita on Douglas Avenue between Market and Main streets. She will also help facilitate the Harvester Arts Wichita Riverfest Artist-in-Residence this fall, and she will participate in the Artist INC professional development program next spring.

“Working with artists on such a large community project is new to me,” said Levine, who is interested in learning more about what it takes to run an arts organization. “It will benefit me to have this experience before I venture out into the world as a professional artist.”

Levine graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art with an emphasis in printmaking. She is the 2021 ADCI Outstanding Studio Art Graduate and a former intern with ShiftSpace, WSU’s student-run gallery. She also served as president of the student printmaking guild, Tornado Alley Press, and vice president of the ShiftSpace Student Group. Levine’s solo exhibition, “Chasing the Divine,” is on view through July 9 in the Main Hall Gallery at CityArts.

“Shaunte’ is an all-around positive, friendly and humble young woman,” said Marco Hernandez, assistant teaching professor of print media. “Her art-making skills and positive attitude have earned her the respect of many students at WSU.”

Harvester Arts confers the Launch Award to a recent ADCI graduate, who is nominated by faculty. The Wichita-based arts organization focuses on creative placemaking, residencies, and professional development for artists.

“We are passionate about creating opportunities for Wichita artists to grow their professional skills,” said Kristin Beal, co-founder and program director for Harvester Arts. “Shaunte’ has a lot to contribute to the creative fabric of this city, and we’re thrilled to offer her this platform.”

A Wichita State alumna, Beal also serves as a gallery manager and creative placemaking coordinator at Wichita State.

As part of the College of Fine Arts, ADCI offers undergraduate degrees in art education, art history, graphic design and studio art, as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art. It is the only accredited school of art and design in Wichita.