Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission Summary
Week of June 11, 2026
Commission seeks local artists to design 2026 Phoenix Awards
Wind gusts damage City Hall art banner, reinstallation planned
Second Unmistakable Public Art Tour scheduled for Final Friday
Unconventional wearable public art sees strong community demand
Self-guided art tours now available on Otocast app
Commission celebrates progress on trio of community murals
Local fiber artist appointed to Cultural Arts Commission
Local market to open permanent storefront
Granada to host pop-up markets during weekend downtown festivals
Commission seeks local artists to design 2026 Phoenix Awards
LAWRENCE, Kan. — An official request for qualifications is now open for local artists interested in designing and creating the physical awards for the 2026 Phoenix Awards ceremony. Applications are due by Aug. 4, after which the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission will review submissions and make final selections during its August meeting, continuing its return to an annual awards schedule.
Wind gusts damage City Hall art banner, reinstallation planned
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A large Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition banner hung prominently on Lawrence City Hall was temporarily taken down after sustaining damage from 70- to 80-mph wind gusts the day after its installation. The city is now working to securely reinstall the artwork within the next two weeks, pending dry ground conditions required for installation vehicles.
Second Unmistakable Public Art Tour scheduled for Final Friday
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following a successful initial walking tour, the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission will host a second Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition tour during Final Friday on June 26. The free, community-focused walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts streets, highlighting both traditional and unconventional installations stationed throughout the downtown area.
Unconventional wearable public art sees strong community demand
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Wearable public art, created by Tim Hossler and Lizzy Arnold as part of the Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition, is drawing strong community interest. The limited-edition $37.50 scarves and shirts, which feature local iconography and celebrate the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, are currently available for purchase at downtown retailers Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop and Wonder Fair.
Self-guided art tours now available on Otocast app
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Residents and visitors can now explore the Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition at their own pace using the Otocast application. The self-guided digital tour has been fully updated with current exhibition data, allowing users to navigate Lawrence's public art installations via their smartphones while learning about the city's historic and cultural landmarks.
Commission celebrates progress on trio of community murals
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Several city-approved murals are nearing completion across Lawrence, including a native animal mural located in a downtown alleyway and an ongoing project by artist Dave Loewenstein at a local community center. Additionally, artist Tokeya Waci U (Comes Dancing First) Richardson recently hosted a highly attended public open house where children were invited to add their painted handprints to the newly installed "Sempiternal" mural at the Vermont Street Parking Garage near the Lawrence Public Library.
Local fiber artist appointed to Cultural Arts Commission
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Fiber artist Eileen John officially joined the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission following her appointment by the City Commission at its May 5 meeting. John, a 16-year Lawrence resident and graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University, was appointed to help represent local artists and strengthen community involvement in the city's cultural initiatives.
Local market to open permanent storefront
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A local market is expanding into a permanent physical storefront located at Ninth and Illinois streets. The venue will host a soft opening on June 18 featuring food, a raffle and a vendor pop-up, before officially launching its regular daily operations — including daily pastries and weekend coffee service — on July 1.
Granada to host pop-up markets during weekend downtown festivals
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Peoples Market will host two indoor pop-up events at The Granada to coincide with major downtown weekend festivities, offering attendees a respite from the elements while supporting local vendors. The markets will operate from 4 to 9 p.m. on both Friday, June 12, during the Summer Soccer Kick Off Party, and Saturday, June 13, during the Kaw River Roots Festival.
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