The Lawrence Art Guild announced this week that two of its volunteers in leadership positions have stepped down, with a new president and treasurer joining the team.
Multimedia artist Maria Martin served as president of the Lawrence Art Guild from 2018 through 2025. According to a news release from the nonprofit organization, Martin’s tenure saw a rise in guild membership, as well as increased grant and sponsor funding of events such as Art in the Park and Art Spaces.
Though she is stepping down from her position, she will continue to assist with marketing and fundraising.
“I have loved every bit of my role,” Martin said in the release. “I know that we need to keep growing and encourage more artists to take on responsibilities. We are a volunteer organization. It’s time to let other talented artists help the organization thrive.”
Martin will be succeeded by Janet Lynn Zuk, who has served as vice president for LAG for the past two years. Zuk has worked as a full-time artist while working as a banker for nearly 20 years, according to the release.
“I hope to attract more members and encourage people who may normally take a step back from volunteering to find a place in the organization,” Zuk said in the release. “Our goal is to make this the premier arts organization in Lawrence.”
Kathleen Hayward has stepped down as treasurer. Having joined LAG in 1994, she served as treasurer for 1109 Gallery and LAG vice president from 2016 to 2018, at which point she became the LAG treasurer and membership chair. Hayward specializes in “whimsical wind chimes and mobiles,” according to the release.
Hayward’s position has been filled by Chris North. North operated a graphic design firm in Lawrence a couple of decades ago and now creates sculptural ceramics.
Gil Ortiz, an abstract painter and freelance graphic designer, will continue in the role of secretary, according to the release.
Learn more about the new members of the LAG leadership team at lawrenceartguild.org/guild-leadership.
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