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CAMPUS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008
Artist's performance analyzes effects of Sept. 11
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
Artist Laurie Anderson is one of the guest artists this semester at the Spencer Museum of Art. Anderson spoke to a capacity crowd on Thursday afternoon at the museum's auditorium, and she will also perform her newest project entitled "Homeland" at 7:30 pm at the Lied Center.
BY BRANDY ENTSMINGER
bensminger@kansan.com
Anderson employs a combination of song, speech, musical instruments and electronics in her performances. She said that she didn't consider herself a performance artist, but that the title helped show that her work didn't fit into just one category.
Laurie Anderson, an artist who weaves politics and a theme of stories into her performances, will present "Homeland," a performance inspired by the events of Sept. 11, tonight at the Lied Center. The show explores how the places people live and the stories they hear affect their self-image.
"I'm trying to tell stories in a bit of a different way." Anderson said.
The University of Kansas will present an artist's touring performance on the events after Sept. 11 tonight.
"Homeland" addresses the way the country has changed since Sept. 11. Anderson said she felt civil liberties were being challenged and important societal issues were not being discussed.
Although "Homeland" questions how geography affects a person's self-image, the show doesn't provide any answers. Anderson said she didn't like being told what to think, and didn't want to tell others what to think either.
"My job as an artist is to make vivid images." Anderson said.
Sept. 11, but said it worked better to have the show on the 12th. Anderson spoke about her work at the Spencer Museum of Art on the 11th instead.
Anderson said "Homeland" was one-third politics, one-third "strange dreams" and one-third pure music. She said the audience would end up analyzing the art.
"It isn't a show where you just, like, turn it on, get entertained, and turn it off," Anderson said.
of the Lied Center, said that many people in Lawrence were familiar with Anderson's work, but that this performance would introduce her to an even wider audience.
Saralyn Reece Hardy, director of the museum, said Anderson's ability to work with such a wide variety of media made her unique.
The upcoming elections are full of stories of the past, present and future of politicians, according to Anderson. She said stories such as those played a large role in society and people were constantly evaluating them.
Reality is something Anderson tries to depict in her shows. She said she didn't want to describe things as she hoped they would be, but rather as they were — complicated and lacking a definitive plot.
Anderson will perform "Homeland" at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets can be bought for $13.
He originally wanted her show to fall on the anniversary of
Tim Van Leer, executive director
Edited by Arthur Hur
LAWRENCE
The Merc pushes for local food
BY BETSY CUTCLIFF bcutcliff@kansan.com
Lawrence's Community Mercantile, or The Merc, is challenging residents of Lawrence to consume at least 80 percent of their diet from local sources.
"I don't think people know how much great food is made right around us," Kellison said.
Elizabeth Kellison, Lawrence mom and freshman, said she only shopping at The Merc and said she thought the challenge was a good idea.
Starting Sept. 14, The Merc, at 9th and Iowa streets, will hang a large poster for participants to record and monitor their progress eating only foods produced within a 200-mile radius of Lawrence.
A "Miles to the Merc" sticker will indicate how far away the product was made. According to Community Mercantile general manager, Jeanie Wells, locally produced food is healthier than mass-produced food.
"It's a little more pricey but it's worth it," Kellison said. "I would rather buy food I know has no hormones in it."
Wells said that the food also tastes better because it hadn't been shipped cross-country in a freezer.
"The fresher the food, the better it tastes," she said.
Local producers, such as Pendleton's Country Market, Wakarusa Valley Farm and New Grass Bison Co. offer products ranging from vegetables, fruit, flowers and meat to beauty products.
Courtney Skeeba, co-owner of Homestead Ranch in Lecompton, provides The Merc with homemade hand creams and soaps made out of goat milk. She said goat milk products were better for people's skin than chemically enhanced ones.
"Goat milk is as close to human milk as possible, so the soaps and hand creams naturally blend well with your skin." Skeeba said.
Wells said that local food is also safer and free of pesticides and chemicals.
According to the Worldwatch Institute, food transportation is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases. A diet based on imported foods can require up to four times the energy and produce much more pollution than a diet based on locally produced food.
Though the higher price tag on local foods might deter many from buying locally, David Smith, Community Mercantile marketing director, said he didn't think the cost difference should matter.
"Issues of food safety have been arising more frequently nowadays, and people are getting scared of eating mass-produced or foreign-produced fruits and vegetables." Wells said, "All of the 500 to 850 items we offer every day are produced within 200 miles, so our customers don't have to worry."
"You have to make a choice. You have to decide to buy what's good for you or what's cheap," Smith said.
But Kelsey Lynch, Overland Park senior, said price and location were deciding factors for her and she usually shopred for food at Target or Dillons.
"I mean, I have bills to pay," Lynch said.
For those who do have the extra cash to spend on local foods, Wells said The Merc's location made it easier for people from all areas of Lawrence to come. She said she hoped this challenge would increase awareness about the benefits of eating locally and provide a healthier alternative for college students.
Edited by Arthur Hur
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