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◆ WAM Nights: Inside the Documentary “Safer Waters: Artist Stephen Towns on Paradise Park”April 17, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8 PM
Free | Open to the public
◆ Did you know that WAM produced an original documentary for the exhibition Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury? The project–edited by Wichita-based filmmaker Maliq Little of Leak Productions–spotlights a central Florida lake resort for Black people that flourished from 1949–1969 through the eyes of artist Stephen Towns and the park’s surviving visitors and staff. Join us as Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick, curator of the exhibition, and the film’s editor Maliq Little tell their stories about this powerful documentary and Towns’ art.
◆ About the curator: Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick was appointed curator at the Wichita Art Museum in 2018. A native of Wichita who grew up visiting the museum, Hedrick holds a PhD in art history from Northwestern University and earned a BA and MA in art history from the University of Kansas. Before joining WAM, Hedrick taught art history at Kansas State University and Binghamton University. Her research interests include material and memorial culture as well as sensory studies. Collaborating on exhibitions with contemporary artists and working to bring their visions to life are particular highlights of her curatorial practice. She has organized exhibitions including Beth Lipman: All in Time (2022), Robert Peterson: Somewhere in America (2024), and Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury (2025). Hedrick’s scholarship has appeared in the journals Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Convivium, and Art History Pedagogy & Practice.
◆ About the editor: Maliq Little is a passionate filmmaker and cinematographer, with a keen eye for storytelling through the lens. He is the CEO of Leak Productions, a video production company. Maliq captures compelling imagery across a wide range of projects. From intimate weddings to high-energy promotional videos, he brings a cinematic touch and attention to detail that elevates each story he tells. Maliq @Leak_productions (Instagram)
◆ About the exhibition: https://wam.org/whats-on/exhibitions/safer-waters-picturing-black-recreation-at-midcentury/
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About WAM Nights: We’re open late on Fridays until 9 pm. Start your weekend with after-hours access to the galleries, shopping in the Museum Store, and a stop at EAT for dinner and specialty drinks. WAM Nights feature programs with artists, musicians, and performers, offering a dynamic way to experience the museum. The building comes to life with local creatives during WAM Nights—an energizing, creative start to your weekend. WAM Nights are generously supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
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1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, United States, Kansas 67203
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