CathARTic: A History

The CathARTic Art Expositions in Wichita KS began in October 2005, with it's first exhibition CathARTic: What Scares You at an Old Town web design firm. Curated by that company's then marketing coordinator, Matt Orsman, the concept was for each artist to do a piece or pieces showing their own greatest fears. It was a phenomenal success, leading to several more monthly art shows over the next year.

Those art shows included not only single artist exhibitions, but themed group shows such as "Peace of Art" (highlighting faith-based pieces) and "Striptease: the Art of the Cartoon"

When Orsman left the web design firm for a job in motion picture graphics, he decided that he would continue the CathARTic show in another venue. Enter one of Matt's featured artists, Patty Ringgenberg.

Patty and her husband Randall were on the board of directors of the recently formed Wichita Film Festivals, Inc., and had just had their grand reopening at their facility, the 20th Century Center and Murdock Theatre. They were glad to provide a venue for the art show, and the 20th Century had just the right ambiance.

The 20th Century Club Center was, in its first incarnation, the private residence of a prominent Wichita judge. At the turn of the century, while the home was still quite new, it was acquired by the 20th Century Club, a fledgling organization whose founder, Mrs. Louise C. Murdock, hoped to establish a lasting cultural and civic group specifically for Wichita women. Mrs. Murdock's club flourished and as the country in general moved from Jazz Age excess to the grip of the Great Depression, the Club found itself in need not of reduction, but expansion. The Center's middle structure was thus added as an entryway to the expanded club, followed by the 500-seat Murdock Theatre. Throughout the remainder of the century and the beginning of this one, the Club has continued its work, cultivating the cultural life of Wichita, and maintaining the Center with remarkable care. Particularly impressive is the Theater, with its balcony, shuttered windows, original frescoes, and Art Deco chandeliers.

So it was decided that The second CathARTic art show, named -- in good horror movie fashion -- CathARTic 2: What Still Scares You, would be held in the victorian parlor. 'Twilight Zone" episodes, a performance art piece, and a classic Horror film, Roman Polanski's "Famous Vampire Killers" would concurrently be shown in the Murdock.

Well it was mentioned several times during that successful event that Wichita has a burgeoning filmmaking community, and it might be fun to do a film festival of Short Horror Films the next year. So that's exactly what they did.

CathARTic 3: Reel Scary opened on the Final Friday in October 2007. Not only did they have the art (this time the artists were asked to base their pieces on the title of a movie, without using any of the key art or imagery FROM the movie), but also a full compliment of Short Horror Films from both local and nationally known filmmakers. It was held as a fundraiser for the Wichita Film Festivals, to help with operating costs and planned upgrades such as a first-floor coffee shop and dedicated art gallery, and the development of an expansive film reference library.

It was also somewhat successful, but both Matt and the Ringgenberg's realized that the program was going to have to grow to be able to effectively help with the upgrades. More than one night. Special guests. Make CathARTic an event not to be missed.

Which brings us to today. Big things are happening. CathARTic has become CathARTic Art and Film Events, LLC, helping charities while expanding the cultural gamut of fine and cinematic arts, especially genre-related. Each event will be donating to two charities, one local, one national.

Its 2009 season kicks off with the fourth annual Halloween show, now rebranded Friday Nightmares, with special guests from around the country.

The spooky fun continues into 2009 with Friday Nightmares shows planned for February and March, and celebrations of Film Noir, the Western, and classic comedy throughout the summer. And then Friday Nightmares: Fifth Anniversary, Five nights in October.

Be a supporter of CathARTic! You can show art or films of your own creation, give money or services by sponsoring or supporting an event or guest, or even purchasing items from our "concession stand." And of course we want to see you at the events!