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WAM Nights: Ponder. This. – Building Wichita Together: A Community ConversationFriday, Feb 27, 2026 | 6 – 8 PM | Farha Great Hall
Free and open to the public | registration required:
https://cart.wichitaartmuseum.org/ponderthis
◆ Presented by the Ponder. This. and the Wichita Art Museum, this community-centered gathering brings together dynamic leaders, creatives, and changemakers for an evening of dialogue, reflection, and collective visioning inspired by the exhibition "Safer Waters: Picturing Black Recreation at Midcentury". The program will also feature guest poetry performances by Knowledge & Essex, offering moments of rhythm and reflection throughout the evening.
◆ Hosted and moderated by Tasha Hayes and Naquela Pack, the event invites Wichita residents to engage in honest conversation about our shared goals, challenges, and opportunities to build a stronger, more connected city.
◆◆◆ About the panelists:
Shane Carter ◆ Shane Carter is Executive Director of The Kansas African American Museum and brings more than a decade of experience in community leadership. Previously, he led a major capital expansion at the Lincoln Community Center in Ohio and developed programs in education, youth mental health, and senior services. A former University of Wisconsin football player, he holds a degree in Sociology and Business Management and is recognized for his commitment to service, collaboration, and cultural engagement.
Anthony Joiner ◆ Anthony Joiner is an art dealer and nonprofit founder based in Wichita, Kansas. He is the Founder and Director of Mulberry Arts, a contemporary gallery and arts organization dedicated to elevating emerging and historically underrepresented artists while expanding access to professional opportunities in the visual arts. He also leads Meet The Challenge, a youth mentorship program for artists ages 13–19 that provides studio access, paid commissions, and professional guidance.
Molly McFerson ◆ Molly McFerson is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Wichita Art Museum. A Wichita-area native, she began her museum career at the Dallas Museum of Art after earning a master’s degree in art history from the University of Kansas and later held positions at the Nasher Sculpture Center and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since joining WAM in 2022, she has launched WAM Nights, reimagined the PLAY space, and created the Regional Creatives Exhibition Series in partnership with Harvester Arts.
Nnanna Okpara ◆ Nnanna Okpara is the Founder and Director of Festive ICT, a Midwest-based event production company known for producing large-scale cultural and community events. With more than fifteen years of experience in event production, marketing, and management, he has led projects such as Wichita Taco Fest, Shop & Grub, Hangover Brunch, and Margarita Fest, bringing together local businesses, audiences, and creative energy across the region.
Brandon Polite ◆ Brandon Polite is a Wichita native and community leader who has worked across the Midwest and South, including Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Dallas. He is the co-founder of Protect Your Mind, a youth-focused initiative promoting resilience and positive decision-making, and serves as Executive Director of the Build and Rebuild Family and Education Center, supporting families through education, mentorship, and community empowerment.
Aileen Rueda-DaCosta ◆ Aileen Rueda-DaCosta is a Kansas-based storyteller, advocate, and portrait photographer. Through her work with local organizations and campaigns, she creates people-centered visual narratives that celebrate everyday lives, affirm community identity, and support social change.
◆ About the exhibition:
https://wam.org/whats-on/exhibitions/safer-waters-picturing-black-recreation-at-midcentury/
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 flatbreads, salads, coffee, 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
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Event Venue
1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS, United States, Kansas 67203
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
