Lawrence artist Javy Ortiz will soon create long-lasting original works to honor the people of La Yarda, a neighborhood of Mexican American railroad workers and their families that stood from 1920 through 1951 in East Lawrence.
The Lawrence Arts Center selected Ortiz — a Mexican-born, interdisciplinary artist — to complete the project, which is in collaboration with LiveWell Douglas County and the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
“As a self-taught artist, Javy works prolifically to expand his knowledge and craftsmanship while embracing an experimental approach to creating,” according to his website.
“He pulls inspiration from personal experiences, as well as pop culture and contemporary social issues. Mixing and layering mediums such as acrylics, spray paint, and epoxy resin, Javy creates compositions that explore identity and resemble the path we navigate through our daily lives.”
Ortiz’s artwork will be installed on the Lawrence Loop trail system at the intersection of Eighth and Delaware streets, within a few blocks of where the La Yarda neighborhood once stood, according to a news release. A flood wiped away the housing complex in 1951.
The project will recognize the contributions of the community’s residents and “invite visitors to revisit history while engaging in the outdoor trail system,” according to the release.
“Community engagement will be an important part of this project and there will be publicized opportunities for community members to meet with Javy and share feedback throughout the process,” according to the release.
The artwork project is funded by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas grant to LiveWell Douglas County.
Historical signage will be funded separately by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program, according to the release.
The project is another piece of yearslong work to document and honor the neighborhood and its surviving residents and descendants.
In 2021, filmmakers Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre and Marlo Angell interviewed community members for a short film, “Searching for La Yarda.”
An immersive art installation commemorating La Yarda is on display now through Sept. 21 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. in downtown Lawrence.
Additionally, contributing artists who worked on the installation will give an Insight Art Talk at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at the arts center. It’s free to attend, and the public is welcome.
Check out some of Ortiz’s work at javyortiz.com/gallery or on his Instagram, @javyortiz.
Learn more about the projects on the website, findinglayarda.com.
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