Self Expression
Lawrence finds an ingenious way to celebrate local talent
Local artists find galleries in unlikely venue
Community wins when artisans business owners see common goal
By P.J. Murray Special sections reporter
The claim that Lawrence is an artsy community is easy to support, evidenced by sculptures on downtown corners and dozens of galleries and craft shops.
But the most significant support for this claim may be the commitment of local stores and restaurants to the art of Lawrence.
While dropping by Terra Nova Bookstore, 920 Massachusetts St., to pick up some extracurricular reading, one might slip into the cafe at the back of the store, where 31 handmade dolls by KU graduate Zach Rockhill are on display.
Or while waiting for jewelry repairs, one can check out the work of four local artists at McQueen Jewelers Inc., 809 Massachusetts St. Two painters, Lenore Allen and Celia Smith, are showcased along with sculptors Ardys Ramberg and Arvid Aase, who make art from 50 million-year-old fossilized fish.
The showrooms for Lawrence's artists are as varied as the artists themselves. At Uptown Bagels A New York
Deli, 818 Massachusetts St., colorful wooden masks by James Gilbert hang in sharp contrast to the pink walls. The Bourgeois Pig, 6 E. Ninth St., is the venue for the dark paintings of Mark Tweed, some of which are displayed in their own window-like frames.
Phoebe Zimmermann, owner of the Bourgeois Pig, said she was grateful for the free interior decorating. "The walls are bare without them," she said of the artwork, which changes monthly. Fortunately for the local shops and owners, the only time their walls are bare is the brief period between artists' displays. Many stores are booked solid for months in advance.
Whether it is the influence of the University of Kansas' department of art and design or just another one of Lawrence's unique attributes, plenty of artists seek wall space, floor space and ceiling space.
"There are very few galleries and so many artists looking for a place to show their work," said Stephanie Coleman, a Terra Nova employee. "This also gives artists a chance to be seen without feeling the intimidation of galleries." Terra Nova is booked through April.
Store owners say the displays benefit the stores as well as the artists.
"The artwork really adds atmosphere to the place," Zimmermann said.
Derek Hogan, owner of Java Break at 17 E. Seventh St.,
said, "It's a way to provide local artists opportunities."
And he appreciates what local artists can do for his store.
"I like to change the look of the place, and it's nice to have original artwork," he said.
Uptown Bagels owner Bryan Daffer called the mutual enterprise of shopkeepers and artists a "symbiotic relationship—where business and artist both benefit."
Coleman said, "Both of us get exposure by being viewed by the community."
Monetary compensation does not seem to be the driving force behind this free exposure for local artists.
"We've sold a few pieces and we take a commission, but it isn't a very big one. And it certainly isn't as much as a gallery would take," Hogan said.
Daffer said Uptown Bagels had been the site of several art sales in the three years that the shop has been open. Zimmermann said that all but two shows at The Bourgeois Pig have resulted in sales for the artist since she opened her store 13 months ago.
Other unlikely locations one might find work by local artists include The Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St.; The Lawrence Riverfront Plaza, 1 Riverfront Plaza; Sunflower Bike Shop, 804 Massachusetts St.; The Jazzhaus of Lawrence, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St. and Glass Onion, 624 W. 12th St.
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