Barton School and Envision Team Up Again to Feature Artist
May 5, 2023
By Barton School of Business
About the W. Frank Barton School of Business
Located in Kansas’ business hub and with significant ties to the business community,
the W. Frank Barton School of Business provides extensive applied learning opportunities.
With in-person and online options, Barton School undergraduate and graduate programs
are tailored to transform the lives of its students. It also holds a double AACSB
accreditation for business and accounting, which puts it in the top 1% of business
schools worldwide. The Barton School was established as the university’s College of
Business Administration and Industry in 1926 and has thousands of graduates around
the world.
Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision.
Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision
loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve
the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind
or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research.
Another artist who is visually impaired has their work on display at Woolsey Hall,
the home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, in
partnership with the Envision Arts Program. Nick Wooding, who is also deaf and uses
a wheelchair, is the newest Barton School featured artist. His mixed media pieces
can be found on the third floor of Woolsey Hall and can be viewed any time during
operating hours.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have our second installation from our partnership
with the Envision Arts Program on display,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton
School of Business. “We are proud to continue fostering creativity and sharing impactful
experiences with our students, faculty and staff.”
Wooding grew up in the Maize school system and later studied at the Helen Keller National
Center in Long Island, New York. During his time at the school, a teacher introduced
him to creating sculptural forms with construction paper and a stapler. He joined
Envision Arts in 2016 and has since pushed the boundaries of his work using new mediums
and techniques that captivate viewers.
“Nick has been a member of our community for almost seven years and his work constantly
amazes and impresses me,” said Sarah Kephart, Envision Arts Program Manager. “He was
the perfect candidate to be the next featured artist at the Barton School.”
The Barton School’s Woolsey Hall art collection, which includes the Envision Arts
Program rotating installation, and its promotion of artists 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.
“The goal of this collaboration is the same as our organization - to foster a culture
of health, wellness and unity,” said Michael Monteferrante, Envision President and
CEO. “This installation at the Barton School is another opportunity to unify communities
and showcase opportunities for all people.”
