Barton School Showcases Third Art Installation from Envision Arts
Sept. 19, 2023
By Barton School of Business
About the 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.
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.”
