George Mendoza’s Colors of the Wind

The Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center proudly unveils  its newest exhibition, “Colors of the Wind,” featuring the extraordinary talents of George Mendoza, on July 5th. This exhibition will run in the Main Gallery through September 27th, with Mendoza present for a First Friday reception on August 2nd from 5-8pm. 

George Mendoza, a globally acclaimed artist who has been blind since age 15, is a leader in the world of art and advocacy. As an author, Smithsonian Fellow, Paralympic athlete, activist, and motivational speaker, Mendoza’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His life story, marked by breaking the world record for blind athletes running the mile in 4 minutes and 28 seconds in 1980, producing two nationally televised PBS documentaries, and founding the Wise Tree Foundation to promote arts for the disabled community, exemplifies resilience and creativity. 

Mendoza’s exhibition, “Colors of the Wind,” previously on display at the National Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., will feature his entire collection of 40 paintings. Mendoza’s art, characterized by its colorfully vivid dreamscapes, captures the surreal essence of his experiences. Despite his visual impairment, he can see light and color fractions, which he translates onto canvas, making his work accessible and tactile for everyone, including people with disabilities. 

“Art has been my way of navigating the world and sharing my vision with others,” Mendoza said. “I am honored to exhibit my work at Envision Arts Gallery, where their mission aligns with my passion for making art inclusive and inspiring for all.” 

Sarah Kephart, Senior Manager, Envision Arts, shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “For artists of this caliber who have reached the level of success like Mendoza, and for Envision Arts Gallery to host this prestigious collection on loan from the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, Texas, speaks volumes about the importance of our mission in our community and exemplifies our commitment to championing accessibility in the arts for all people.  We are so grateful to have George Mendoza’s incredible work displayed not once, but twice in our gallery.” 

“Colors of the Wind,” will be on display at the Envision Arts Gallery July 5 – September 27. Mendoza will be present during a First Friday reception on August 2nd from 5-9pm with a presentation and book signing the following day on Saturday, August 3rd from 10am-1pm. This exclusive exhibition is made possible by Mary Lynn Oliver and the Ellen Noël Art Museum. 

Join us First Friday, August 2nd, from 5 – 8PM, at the Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center. Throughout the evening you can meet the artist, experience the artwork, and participate in art activities inspired by the exhibition.

First Friday, August 2nd
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

The Envision Arts Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00 PM-1:00 PM). Available by appointment.
Free and open to the public
On display July 5th – September 27th in the Main Gallery