An upcoming event will invite people to learn about and share feedback on a new mural a Lawrence artist is creating in honor of the La Yarda community.
The Lawrence Arts Center in September selected Javy Ortiz to complete the project.
Ortiz, a Mexican-born, interdisciplinary artist, will be present to discuss ideas at the community engagement session, according to an arts center news release.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. It’s free to attend, and all are welcome.
“Community engagement has been an important part of this project and Javy has worked closely with La Yarda family members to gather feedback throughout the initial stages of his process,” the release says.
Ortiz’s artwork will be installed this fall 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.
The vibrant Mexican-American community lived in a housing complex created by the Santa Fe Railroad to house workers from 1920-51 before a flood wiped away the buildings.
Check out some of Ortiz’s work at javyortiz.com/gallery or on his Instagram, @javyortiz.
The project is in collaboration with LiveWell Douglas County and the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Learn more about collaborative projects on La Yarda at findinglayarda.com and in the articles linked below.
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