Spencer acquires work by Langston Hughes

A 75-year-old portfolio of poems by Langston Hughes with illustrations by Aaron Douglas is on exhibit through February in the Study Gallery of the Spencer Museum of Art.

It and a collection of six older short stories by Zora Neale Hurston illustrated by Betye Saar for publication in 2000 as Bookmarks in the Pages of Life will be on view during the five-day Langston Hughes February Festival, Feb. 19-23.

In December 1926, the African-American Opportunity Magazine advertised the “Opportunity Art Folio” of six poems by Langston Hughes with drawings by Aaron Douglas, which had first appeared in the journal’s October issue. The drawing above was paired with Hughes’ poem “Misery.”

Hughes and Douglas were leading members of the 1920s cultural movement now known as the Harlem Renaissance. Both men had ties to Kansas: Hughes spent his childhood in Lawrence, and Douglas was born in Topeka.

With contributions from the Helen Foresman Spencer Art Acquisition Fund, Office of the Chancellor and the Lucy Shaw Schultz Fund, the Spencer Museum was able to acquire one of five known copies of the complete portfolio.

Theatre: ‘Nunsense’ returns to Baldwin theatre

The Baldwin City Community Theatre staged “Nunsense” a few years back and drew sell-out crowds. Most of the original cast is returning this month to give the show another whirl.

The theatre will present “Nunsense,” by Dan Goggin, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. A 2 p.m. matinee also is scheduled for Feb. 16.

The musical comedy is a talent show staged by the five survivors of the Little Sisters of Hobeken nunnery. (The other members of the sisterhood having succumbed to botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God.) The remaining “Lil’ Hobos” parade their talents at a variety show to raise funds so the last four of the dearly departed can be buried.

Tickets are $10 and can be bought in advance at any of the three banks in Baldwin or by calling (785) 594-7440. They also can be bought at the door.

All shows will be held at Fellowship Hall in First United Methodist Church, located at Eighth and Grove in downtown Baldwin.