Saralyn Reece Hardy, director of the Spencer Museum of Art, along with several helpers, unveils the newly renovated museum on Oct. 15 by untying the ribbon created by the textiles studio at the University.
Andrea Ringgenberg/KANSAN
This Year in Arts & Culture
► OMAR SANCHEZ &
COURTNEY BIERMAN
@KansanNews
The last year has seen moments in politics and culture that have shaken society to its core. Some have further divided the nation, while others simultaneously raised daunting questions as to what the future holds. Art sets a path to the answers we are looking for, it's a form of expression — whether through film, sculpture, performance, or another art form
— that students at this University are given the chance to showcase when they feel they couldn't otherwise.
This school year was no exception. Whether it's through people's touching stories or thought provoking events, these stories have brought the Lawrence and the KU community together to speak out and enjoy the ride, too.
Political commentary through art
During and after the 2016 presidential campaign, members of Lawrence's arts community banded together to give their take on the turbulent political climate.
The Lawrence Arts Center held an exhibition that spoke on the presidential race called "Platform." It included a variety of paintings, drawings, mixed media sculptures and video presentations that provided commentary on the political arena in both orthodox and unorthodox ways.
"Whether it's through people's touching stories or thought provoking events, the stories told have brought the Lawrence and the KU community together."
Local artists, including LFK Press owner Leslie Kulva, created posters, zines, t-shirts and other original art in reaction to the political climate around the time of the presidential inauguration.
Art gallery, design shop and art supply store Wonder Fair on Massachusetts Street opened its doors on Inauguration Day as a safe space for those looking to get away from Inauguration Day happenings.
Wonder Fair offered attendees free zines, posters and other materials that gave tips on how to stay positive despite political unrest.
The Card Table Theatre's January rendition of "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui" followed a story with striking similarities to Donald Trump's rise to President of the United States. The show was meant to be a form of protest of the political landscape.
Celebrities at KU
Venues like the Lied Center and The Granada have hosted a variety of prominent performers this year, from radio moguls and iconic musicians to fresh-faced comedians.
Ira Glass, an NPR broadcaster known for the podcasts "This American Life" and "Serial," brought
his "Seven Things I've Learned" program to Lawrence, although he issued a disclaimer at the beginning of the show — he's actually learned more than seven things.
The show ended up including nine things Glass has learned, from "how to tell a story," to "what it's like to drive across the country trying to learn Spanish." Glass alternated between recorded interviews and live storytelling to talking about people he's interviewed who made an impression on him in some way.
In April, the iconic Beach Boys performed a 40-song setlist at the Lied Center that included classics like "Surfin' Safari" and "Fun Fun Fun." The band performed almost all of its greatest hits — and promised the crowd to return to the Lied Center in another 55 years.
Actor and comedian Adam Devine performed a stand-up show at the Lied Center in February. Devine is best known for his work on Comedy Central's "Workaholics," ABC's
"Modern Family" and the "Pitch Perfect" movies.
Devine performed a hour-and-a-half set that touched on subjects like being rich, global warming, dying polar bears and his mistake in thinking "Pitch Perfect" was a baseball movie when he auditioned.
Spencer Museum of Art reopens
Five hundred and fifty-two days after the Spencer Museum of Art closed its doors for major renovations, the newly transformed gallery spaces were once again occupied by University students and the Lawrence community last October. The opening weekend included a variety of performances and activities.
Center court featured booths that gave more information on the museum and its history, while interactive stations like the "Museum Masterpieces" on the upper floor gave attendees a chance to create something that would be a part of the museum's new chapter.
Rapper Vince Staples stopped at The Granada on March 5 as part of The Aquatic Life Tour
Sarah Wright/KANSAN
Trombone player gives a GoPro view of KU Basketball.
ball
Many may say they've seen every inch of Allen Fieldhouse. But Brian Wise, a senior trombone player for the Kansas basketball band, has given people a unique view into what it's like to be sitting in the band section during a Kansas basketball game by strapping a GoPro to his instrument.
His Instagram videos include views from the band section at basketball games, KU football games and on James Naismith Court during a halftime show.
The University is the most frequently-Instagrammed place in the state of Kansas, according to a USA Today article published in December.
Why KU is Most Instagrammed in Kansas
The best photos of campus can gain traction through the use of "#exploreKU" on Instagram or Twitter. Users can use the hashtag with photos that are in some way related to being a Jayhawk. Photos of students' forays into downtown Lawrence or their study abroad experiences are included.
KU alumnus wins Taco Bell Wedding
Thanks to a lot of determination and a fierce love of tacos, University alumnus Dan Ryckert and his fiancee won a contest that will make them the first couple married in the Taco Bell Chapel in Las Vegas.
The wedding will include an all-expenses-paid trip, complete with Taco Bell catering, matching Taco Bell wedding t-shirts, a room at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, a private pool cabana at the hotel and ex-pro wrestler Ric Flair officiating the proceedings, to name a few of the things Ryckert won.
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- Edited by Mara Kubicki