Arts & events
Lawrence High School student’s art comments on sexualization of young women; piece to be displayed on Topeka building
Lawrence High School junior Adele Erickson’s award-winning art piece, ”Babydoll,” is meant to make people uncomfortable.
In KU exhibit, Kansas quilt artists piece together story of racial violence from Emmett Till to today
A pair of exhibits at the Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence are inspired by the life and death of Emmett Till, which helped launch the civil rights movement. The work of area textile artists helps connect the 1955 killing to contemporary violence against Black people.
Lawrence’s Free State Film Society announces fall lineup and new venue for events
Lawrence’s Free State Film Society is debuting a new venue to accompany its lineup of film-centric events this fall.
Raven regular’s debut collection of sci-fi short stories to launch from ‘bookstore of her heart’
For as long as she can remember, Izzy Wasserstein aspired to write. Now 41, she recalled the rush of hope and feelings books stirred within her early in life.
Defend Lawrence! Free 5K run/walk returns early Sunday
Almost 160 years ago, Quantrill’s raiders had no idea that their attempt to destroy Lawrence would one day inspire a celebration of the town’s tenacity.
Gold Medal BBQ’s block party Saturday will celebrate community, restaurant’s first anniversary
Succeeding in the restaurant business can challenge even the most seasoned entrepreneur. Kyle Clemons, owner of Gold Medal BBQ, recognizes the importance of community in ushering his restaurant through its first year in a downtown Lawrence brick-and-mortar building.
Couple hope to breathe life into Lawrence pro wrestling scene; show set for Saturday
Cheyenne and Deek Hansen want to bring a fresh form of entertainment to Lawrence. With down-the-road hopes of providing a training center for pro wrestlers, they’ve launched a wrestling promotion that will host a show in Lawrence this Saturday.
Watkins Museum’s Civil War on the Border festival to include speakers, tours of historical sites
The Watkins Museum of History on Thursday is kicking off its 27th annual Civil War on the Border festival. The four days of programming will feature 15 tours, lectures and more in Douglas County.
Lawrence Public Library’s Kids’ Action Club members take the lead on art, bake sale fundraiser
One of the defining features of the Lawrence Public Library’s Kids’ Action Club is that it allows kids to put ideas into action. Its latest project is a fundraiser for Ukraine.
Kaw River Roots Festival to return to Lawrence with concerts and celebration of music
The second annual Kaw River Roots Festival is coming to downtown Lawrence next weekend, celebrating Americana, folk and bluegrass music.
Averill’s ‘Moritat of George the Snail’ to make its stage truck debut Friday in Lawrence
Lawrence playwright Ric Averill’s most recent work takes him to his 1970s roots, back when he strummed his banjo and sang anti-war songs in the street. Back then, he was on a mission to stop the Vietnam War. Now he wants people to think more deeply about climate change.
Native American author to make stop in Lawrence during Ancestral Land Tour
A short story collection by Chelsea T. Hicks that centers Native women and ancestral connection will spark conversation Monday during a free event at the Raven Bookstore.
Vinland Fair to return with free, old-fashioned fun
The Vinland Fair is a free, 3-day event featuring old-fashioned activities such as scarecrow building, nail driving, hay bale throwing and tractor pulling — and, oh, the pies.
Raven to host reading for Native American author’s debut novel
Audience members can interact with Native American author Oscar Hokeah on Wednesday during a free event highlighting the writer’s debut novel, “Calling for a Blanket Dance,” at the Raven Book Store.
Young artists of Van Go unveil benches commissioned for clients
When Ian Hoopes pulled the cover off of his 2022 Van Go Benchmark piece, he wasn’t just unveiling a piece of art — he was unveiling a piece of himself.
B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence to celebrate 5-year anniversary as a collective
B.L.A.C.K. (Black Literature & Arts Collective of Kansas) Lawrence this Saturday will host an anniversary show to celebrate five years of being a community collective of Black artists. The group aims to elevate and celebrate Black art, promote Black artists, and foster local education on Black issues.