Arts In Action Winter/Spring 2009-10

You make a difference!
Membership at the Lawrence Arts Center

We often hear visitors say, “I wish my town had a community arts center like this.” It is the result of many years of hard work, passion and commitment from visual artists, actors, dancers, musicians and art appreciators whose commitment has resulted in a phenomenal arts center in Lawrence. In these challenging economic times, it is important not to lose ground. It’s time to remain steadfast in your commitment to the arts not only by purchasing tickets to performances, attending a class and the galleries, but also by financially supporting arts organizations that have had a significant impact on the prosperity of Lawrence and surrounding communities.

Here’s what your donation will support at the Lawrence Arts Center over the next year:

  • 15 art exhibits attracting over 100,000 visitors each year.
  • 87 performances of 22 dramatic productions.
  • 43 professional dance performances by the 940 Dance Company reaching 3,200 adults and 6,900 children.
  • 780+ classes enrolling over 8,000 students.
  • 6 preschool classes enrolling over 100 children.
  • 94 professional artists who make up our teaching faculty.
  • 8,000 students through onsite classes and an additional 10,000 people nationally through exhibition and performance programs.

Support your Lawrence Arts Center

Enjoy the important role of nurturing a love for the arts, expanding cultural experiences and inspiring the gifts and talents of yourself, your friends and family by giving to the Lawrence Arts Center. Make a tax-deductible gift and become a member of the Lawrence Arts Center. Your generosity will insure that we don’t lose ground — and helps us attract quality arts programming while keeping costs low.

Membership Benefits

As a means of recognizing and thanking our donors, we are very pleased to offer these benefits.

  • Senior (55+): $30
  • University Student (18+): $30
  • Individual (18+): $50
  • Family: $100
    • Recognition in Annual Report
    • Subscription to The Arts in Action
    • Priority class enrollment
    • Advance program information
    • Invitation to members-only events
    • 10% discount on all classes
    • 10% discount on gallery shop purchases
  • Friend: $250+
    • All above benefits
    • $15 off one gallery purchase
  • Imagination Society: $1,000+
    • All above benefits
    • Recognition in The Arts in Action
    • $25 off one gallery purchase
    • Invitations to Imagination Society events

Drama Program

The Lawrence Arts Center’s Drama Program features performing arts classes for children and adults. Instructors are drama professionals with expertise in all aspects of theatre. Classes and workshops include beginning, intermediate and advanced acting, story-playing, improvisation, filmmaking, audition techniques and dramatic writing. The program also sponsors performance-based groups including City Youth Theater (for 9th-12th grade) and First Saturday Players (for 6th-9th grade).

Performances



A Kansas Nutcracker 2009

Fridays and Saturdays, December 11, 12, 18, 19—7:30pm
Sundays, December 13, 20, 2pm
The Dance and Drama departments at the Arts Center combine to bring back this Kansas holiday favorite, complete with live mandolin orchestra score arranged and conducted by Jeff Dearinger. Deb Bettinger’s artistic choreography and Ric Averill’s script and stage direction bring to life the barn-raising party that leads the presentation of a special Nutcracker by Godfather Drosselmeier (Jeremy Auman) to his goddaughter Clara (Alexis Kreigh). When the toy is broken, Clara sleeps in the barn and has dreams and nightmares of Kansas that reflect the ideas, passions and life of the early Kansas pioneers and natives she met that evening. The production combines professional, community and student dancers and actors in a wonderful two-act celebration of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet with a Kansas twist. Wonderful for all ages!
Tickets: $17.50 adults | $12.50 students, seniors

Oliver! by Lionel Bart

Friday and Saturday, March 26, 27—7:30pm
Sunday, March 28—2pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 1, 2, 3—7:30pm
Broadway — our way — at the Lawrence Arts Center! Theatre at the Center will present Ric Averill’s delightful “street scene” staging of Lionel Bart’s masterpiece. One of the most beloved British musicals, Oliver! wildly brings to life Dickens’ timeless characters with its story of the boy who asked for more. Ric Averill will direct the play with professional and community actors. Mary Baker will direct the sensational score full of Bart’s irresistible songs including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two” and more. Choreography by the Arts Center dance faculty, set design by resident assistant tech director, Danny Rogovein, lights by resident technical director, Lee Saylor, and costumes by resident costumer, Jennifer Glenn, will fill every inch of the stage. More than 50 young people and 25 adults will be cast, creating a beautiful and evocative glimpse into Dickens’ London.
Auditions: Jan 31, Feb 2 (see page 21)
Tickets: $15 adults | $12 students, seniors
Group rates available, reservations will be accepted beginning Feb 8

don’t u luv me

City Youth Theatre
Friday and Saturday, February 19, 20—7pm
Christie Dobson’s production of the awesome Linda Daugherty play is a co-production with GaDuGi SafeCenter and deals with cyber bullying, dating violence and other social interactions of importance to teenagers. After its Arts Center debut, the show will Lawrence junior high and high schools.
Tickets: $8.50 adults | $$6.50 students and seniors

The Reluctant Dragon by Jennifer Glenn

First Saturday Players
Saturday, March 6—2pm
Theatre at the Center’s 6th grade+ performers do production geared toward the “peepers” — 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds and their families. Each show includes a few sing-a-longs and other entertainment, like “vaudeville for children!”
Tickets: $4 donation at the door

The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Jennifer Glenn

First Saturday Players
Saturday, May 1—2pm
Jennifer’s delightful original script will wrap up this year’s season of plays for the very, very young – performed by our 6th grade+ students. Everybody loves Pirates!
Tickets: $4 donation at the door

The Coppelia Project: A Homecoming Performance

Friday, January 15—7pm

Heidi Van’s Hybrid Theatre company is fresh back from a tour of Ft. Lauderdale to perform here! Cost to attend is a “hard C” — canned goods or currency, any bill of any denomination (if you use Ones, please give more than one; if you use a C-note, that’ll be plenty!). Canned goods will be donated to the Lawrence Community Shelter. The Coppelia Project, a clown ballet on tour through the Lawrence Arts Center, explores issues of perfection and acceptance as an odd inventor, Dr. Coppelius (Ric Averill) brings several Clown Ballerinas to life, only to be ultimately unhappy with his creations.

A young Delivery Boy acts as a foil to the Doctor, discovering the unique qualities of each “automaton.” Clown Ballerina Vanessa Severo’s actual physical disability is showcased as part of the Doll’s challenge for the Doctor, and audiences learn with the Boy and Dr. Coppelius that one must accept people as they are.

See Ric Averill (Dr. Coppelius) presenting his recipe for Cioppino on Jayni’s Kitchen sometime around New Year’s. For more information about Coppelia, see www.lawrenceartscenter.org.

A world premiere in April: Rumplestiltskin by Ric Averill and Spencer Lott

Friday, April 23—7pm
Saturday, April 24 (Hot Dog Theatre!)—12:30pm picnic, 2pm performance Come see this fairy tale classic come to life in a unique collaboration of live and puppet theatre by Ric Averill and Spencer Lott. Plans are underway to present this project at the Kansas City Fringe Festival. Don’t miss Hot Dog Theatre on Saturday, April 24, with a picnic at 12:30pm before the 2pm matinee. Fun for all ages!
Tickets: $8.50 adults | $6.50 students, seniors

Spring Break and School’s Out Camps: Film, Musical Theatre and Puppetry

Come join us over Spring Break 2010! Once again, we are offering three different camps — something for all ages (K-12th grade). There is some age overlap, so kids can choose by interest as well as by age. Kids in all three camps will have the opportunity to work together, sharing in the film work, creating puppets for each other and enjoying the Friday productions. For more information or to enroll, see page 11.

Film at the Center

Films are shown on our great new screen, and concessions are always available! The Arts Center is now one of the performance sites of the Free State Travelling Picture Show.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13—7pm | Bonnie & Clyde vs. Dracula

Now here’s the perfect Valentine date movie! Come join us for drinks, popcorn and an excitingly “horror-ble” time as this locally filmed feature comes to life as part of the Free State Travelling Picture Show of the Kansas Film Commission. Check out www.bcvdmovie.com. $5 general admission

SATURDAY, MAY 15TH - 7pm | Second Annual Kansas-Missouri Short Film Festival

Films of up to 30 minutes in length will be adjudicated and two hours worth of great new material each evening will be shared with the audience. Besides the judges award in categories of best comedy, drama, documentary, musical, screenplay, acting and best of show, a people’s choice award will be given by the applause of those in attendance. Evenings will be divided between youth and open divisions. Submissions should be made in DVD format by March 31st, with the name of the film, the filmmaker’s name and contact information, and a $10 submission fee. All films should be submitted to the attention of Ric Averill, Drama Program Director, Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, Lawrence KS 66044. $5 general admission

Music at the Center (a little new night music)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29—7:30pm | Singer Songwriter Potpourri

On tap is another great singer songwriter night, hosted by Johnny Ricker. Watch for a wonderful line-up of great performers including Daniel Quin Shay, Preston Girard, Rayyan Kamal and many more. $5 donation at the door, concessions available

FRIDAY, MAY 21—7:30pm | Local Composers/New Works

Join host Ric Averill and other regional/area composers for an eclectic evening of new music. Composers will range from students to professors emeritus. $5 donation at the door, concessions available

Auditions for actors: Oliver!

Youth (age 6+) and adult actors wanted! Please call the Arts Center at 843-2787 to sign up for any two-hour audition slot on either Sunday, January 31, 2-6pm, or Monday, February 1, 4-8pm. Short callbacks will be on Monday, February 1, 8-9pm. Additional callbacks will be held on Tuesday, February 2 (and possibly Wednesday, February 3) at 7pm. Youth roles to be cast include Oliver Twist, Artful Dodger, Bet, Noah Claypool, Charlotte, Workhouse Children, Fagin’s Gang and Street People. Adult roles to be cast include Nancy, Bill Sykes, Fagin, Mr. Bumble, Widow Corney, Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Bedwin, Old Sally, Street Vendors, London Police and Street People. Please have a 16-bar musical theatre selection prepared. You may choose selections from Oliver! Music Director Mary Baker will accompany you, so it is recommended that you bring sheet music. Acapella auditions are discouraged but allowed. Singing to CDs or other prepared music will not be allowed. Auditions will also include cold reads from the script and the learning of a dance combination. Rehearsals will be held Monday-Thursday evenings with some weekend times called for individuals as we get closer to the show. Spring break week (March 15-20) will be “light.” Performances are at 7:30pm on March 26, 27, April 1, 2 and 3. There will be a matinee on Sunday, March 28 at 2pm.

Summer Youth Theatre

It’s not too early to make plans for Summer Youth Theatre! Our 35th season will explore Noses, Noises and Zombies. Here’s a preview...

8th-12th graders

  • JUNE: Under consideration! Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind (the play the hit musical is based on)... or Cyrano by Edmund Rostand (the play the movie “Roxanne” is based on)... or Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (a play about a deal with the devil), Rehearsals June 1-24; Performances June 24-27
  • JULY: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde music by Frank Wildhorn, book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Rehearsals July 5-28; Performances July 29-August 1

4th-7th graders

  • JUNE: Honk (the Broadway musical based on “The Ugly Duckling”) by Anthony Drewe, music by George Stiles, Rehearsals June 1-16; Performances June 17-19
  • JULY: Hamlet and Zombies by Will Averill, Rehearsals July 5-21; Performances July 22-24

K-3rd graders

A two-week session (no Mondays) with performances the second Saturday morning in the studio ... the director shares stories then helps students make up their own fun plays with such titles as:

  • June 1-12: This Castle Is Crazy
  • June 15-26: Frogs and Ducks Are Out of Luck!
  • July 6-17: Summer Ghosty Toasty Stores
  • July 20-31: Mom, I Ate My Homework and Now I’m Too Smart — and Other Crazy Notions!

Summer Youth Theatre auditions and callbacks will be held Sunday-Tuesday, April 25-27. Please call us at 785-843-2787 to have your name put on the e-mail list for more information about SYT 2010, our 35th Anniversary Season!

Spotlight on our underwriters

We offer our sincere thanks for your support of this year’s Theatre at the Center. Please know how very grateful we are for your involvement.

  • Dr. Dennis & Deanna Hoss
  • Seven Trees Foundation
  • Amy Albright & Doug Davison, Vinland Valley Nursery
  • Marilyn & Tom Dobski, McDonald’s of Lawrence
  • Colette and Ron Gaches
  • Ron Gaches of Gaches, Barbee & Associates
  • Beverly Smith Billings, in honor of Bob Billings
  • Sharon & James Hammond
  • Web & Joan Golden
  • Tom & Barbara Hollister
  • Bill & Marlene Penny
  • Payless ShoeSource Foundation
  • Susan & Brad Tate & Family
  • Michael Treanor and Treanor Architects, P.A.
  • Steve & Kathy McDowell
  • Francisco Bido Family
  • David and Anne Hollond
  • American Century Investments
  • AT&T Foundation
  • Steve Clark
  • Aggi Walsh and Craig West
  • Shelly McColm DDS, McColm Orthodontics

Dance Program

The Dance Program at the Lawrence Arts Center offers instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance for youth and adults, from beginners to advanced and experienced dancers. It also is home to the 940 Dance Company, a community-oriented, professional contemporary dance company whose accessible repertory delights and moves audiences of all ages. The six-member company has been touring in the Midwest for 21 years and is under the direction of award-winning choreographer Susan Rieger.

940 Dance Company awarded Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund Grant The 940 Dance Company received a grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation’s Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund for “Two Faces of the Wind.” The 940 Company will create and pilot several dance/theatre performances and workshops that will promote a deeper understanding of nature, specifically the workings of the wind and the science of wind generation. The scope of the project includes an Earth Day performance that incorporates community participants of all ages and a new concert work for performance in Lawrence and on tour. Additionally it involves collaboration with USD 497 to develop and present workshops and performances to enhance learning and understanding of how energy transforms from one form to another and give children a multi-sensory experience of the wind. The work will continue as the 940 Dance Company tours other communities with these new workshops and performances. This approach is an innovative educational experience in that it uses dance to gain an appreciation of our natural world and to learn about the science of wind generation. In the past, the 940 Dance Company has primarily worked in the schools with literacy and dance. Merging science learning goals and dance is a new and interesting challenge. The three basic components of dance are space, time and energy. Connecting these to the properties of the wind provides exciting possibilities.

940 Dance Company performances

A Kansas Nutcracker
Fridays and Saturdays, December 11, 12, 18, 19—7:30pm
Sundays, December 13, 20—2pm
940 Dance Company members join other professional and community actors and dancers to present this uniquely Kansan version of this magical Holiday Ballet. With new surprises, a new cast and the wonder of the season, you won’t want to miss this exciting holiday event. Last year we sold out! “Clara’s Tea for Two” returns this year to delight moms, grandmothers, daughters and friends on Sunday, December 13, from noon to 1:30pm, just prior to the matinee. This charming event, with appearances from the cast, is fast becoming an annual holiday tradition for area families.
Tickets to the performance: $17.50 adults | $12.50 students, seniors
Tickets to Clara’s Tea for Two: $25

First Step House at Lakeview Concert—Transformations
Tuesday, January 26—7pm
This annual concert is in celebration of the residents and staff at First Step House, a halfway home for women in recovery from chemical addiction. Many of the works included in this concert relate to the challenges and resiliency required to make new choices. Open to the public.
Tickets: $5

940 Concerts for Youth of All Ages
Saturday and Sunday, February 13, 14—2pm
This concert introduces students to contemporary dance while it reinforces literacy goals for K-5th grade. Girl Scouts workshops will follow show, taught by 940 company members. Workshop and performance will fulfill requirements to earn a Girl Scouts dance badge.

Freedom Rings Site-specific Performance
A collaborative event is being designed by artistic director Susan Rieger and dance artist Joan Stone, involving the 940 Dance Company, dancers from the University Dance Company and the “Freedom Rings” art installation by nationally known Lawrence artist Steven Johnson. Watch for more information about this event, being planned for April near the Clinton Lake Museum.

Earth Day Outdoor Performances
A new project in development will involve the Dance Company, the community and other artists in a dynamic outdoor performance exploring the energy of wind power. Watch for details.

New Works 2010 Concert
Friday and Saturday, April 30, May 1—7:30pm Diverse and thought-provoking new works by artistic director Susan Rieger and 940 Dance Company members displays the virtuosity and talent of this exciting company based at the Lawrence Arts Center.

940 Dance Company gives special thanks to the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation for their support of our professional dance company.

Dance program performances

Snow White and Rose Red
Saturday, March 6—7pm
Sunday, March 7—2pm
The Lawrence Youth Ballet Company, directed and choreographed by Deborah Bettinger, presents dancers aged 8-17 who bring to dancing life the Brothers’ Grimm charming tale of a bewitched bear, a beautiful family and how good wins over rudeness and greed. Beautiful dancing, spirited characters and lots of humor. Charming fun for the whole family.

Jedi Knights and Galactic Princesses
Saturday, April 17—10:30am, 1pm
The Peanut, Pretzel, Popcorn and Pistachio Companies present an original adventure inspired by the classic Star Wars series. Rescuing a planet from the disastrous dark side through “green practices” will be part of the plot for this Earth Day week production. The cast, ranging in age from 5-17, will help create the storyline, choreography, costumes and sets. This wonderful creative dance storytelling is directed by Candi Baker, Molly Gordon and Shannon Pickett.

Dance Gala 2010
Friday, May 14—7pm
Saturday, May 15—10:30am, 1pm, 3pm
With great pride we showcase our wonderful dance students each year in May. In four different Showcases, we celebrate the achievements of the students in the Lawrence Arts Center’s dance program which strives to develop dancers with excellent technical skills while emphasizing personal growth, artistic expression, creative thinking and self-discovery as part of the total dance experience. See Ballet, Tap, Jazz, HipHop, Modern Dance and highlights such as senior solos, Classical Ballet Variations and much more!

In The Gallery

The Lawrence Arts Center provides the community with about 13-16 exhibitions each year in its two galleries. Individual artists are encouraged to apply to display their work in the Galleries (see www.lawrenceartscenter.org/ exhibition). Exhibitions are supported by grants, donations, sales and, primarily, by the proceeds of the Lawrence Art Auction, the major spring fundraising event of the Lawrence Arts Center (see www.lawrenceartauction.org).

In recent years, the Center has shown in its galleries more than 1,000 diverse local and regional artists in all media per year, ranging from local preschool children to internationally known artists from such places as Tibet, Korea, China, Canada, Germany and Indonesia. The mission of the exhibition program is to represent and serve the community’s artists in every form and expression, young and old, contemporary and historical, “cutting edge” and “old school.” Such richness reflects the community that the Arts Center serves.

Please allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Ben Ahlvers. I am the new Director of Exhibitions at the Lawrence Arts Center. Prior to this appointment I served as Associate Education Director here at the Arts Center. I am an active artist, exhibiting my ceramic sculptures around the country. I believe the Exhibitions Program should strive to provide the highest quality in local, regional, national and international visual art. This starts by actively pursuing art and artists who will engage, enrich and challenge the Lawrence community. Since moving to Lawrence five years ago, I’ve been working with arts organizations such as Art Tougeau and the Lawrence Percolator. I look forward to working with more of the community in this new role.

through DECEMBER 18 | New Works by Jan Gaumnitz Reception: Friday, October 30—7-9pm

JANUARY 8–FEBRUARY 6 | Shawn Bitters: “To and From”
Reception: Friday, January 8—7pm
Originally from Orem, Utah, Shawn Bitters is an assistant professor of art at the University of Kansas. He received his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2005 and his BFA from Brigham Young University in 2002. His shows include the International Print Center of New York and Dieu DonnÈ Papermill, both in New York City; The Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, Kansas City; the Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Vt.; the Providence Art Club, Providence, R.I.; and Temple University, Rome. He was recently an artist-in-residence at the Council of Danish Artist Residency on Hirsholm Island, Denmark and will be an artist-in-residence at the Frans Masereel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belguim in 2009. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas with his wife Daina and their children. He writes, “Conscious of the distant link to ancestral lands in England, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, I wanted to investigate the evolutionary connection of my body to those lands. Using brown dye to match the freckles I inherited, I inscribed a large selection of my ancestors’ names and places of birth on my skin. Here my body is presented as a manifestation of the past and a link to older distant landscapes. I then traveled to locations in New York to photograph my body in locations that played a key role in my progenitors’ entry to this land: Clinton Castle, the immigration entry point before Ellis Island; the Atlantic Ocean; and the Village, known as Germantown in the 1860s.”

JANUARY 8–FEBRUARY 6 | Lynda Andrus: “Unwrapping the Past”
Reception: Friday, January 8—7pm
In the work of Lynda Erwin Andrus, artifacts of everyday life from different cultural contexts are given extraordinary meaning. The pieces consist mainly of paper and fabric, and nostalgic sentiments eminate from the textures as the materials become precious links with those who have handled them. Lynda writes, “Artifacts of everyday life that people collect, possess and use on a regular basis can take on a sacred meaning and represent cultural harmony. My art is developed from common objects that are embellished with Asian paper and calligraphy, as well as found objects from the Kansas prairie which displays similarities in the human experience across cultures.”

FEBRUARY 12–MARCH 13 | “Welcome to Asteroid Head Land ... Dude”: Asteroid Head Art Collective
Reception: Friday, February 12—7pm
Astroturf, knoll, miniature wooden standees, brightly painted walls, stumps and rocks to sit on. All of these can be found in the gallery. You won’t want to miss the experience that is Asteroid Head.

FEBRUARY 12–MARCH 13 | “Place”: A Group Exhibition Curated by Ben Ahlvers
Reception: Friday, February 12—7pm
This group exhibition is designed to explore many media and approaches to art making, all under the umbrella of a theme - place. Invited artists include: Chris Mateer, Ke-Sook Lee, Dylan Beck, Norman Akers, Mike Sinclair, Daniel Coburn, Celia Smith, Matt Needham, Laura Nugent, Yuri Zupancic, Heather Smith Jones, Armin M¸hsam, James Brinsfield, John Ferry and David Vertacnik.

MARCH 22–APRIL 10 | 30th Annual Lawrence Art Auction Benefit Exhibition
Featured Artist: Carol Ann Carter
Silent Auction: Monday, March 22-Saturday, April 10
Live Auction: Saturday, April 10—7pm

APRIL 12-17 | Lawrence Arts Center Preschool Exhibition

APRIL 20–MAY 7 | Lawrence Public Schools Art Exhibition

Mark your calendars! 30th annual Lawrence Arts Center Art Auction Benefit: Saturday, April 10 This exhibition will feature original art from approximately 150 artists. Artwork generously donated by artists represents a diverse spectrum of forms and media — including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and prints. The Art Auction committee is working hard to ensure this event is teeming with quality art and that the event is truly a great experience for all involved. You can expect fresh changes to many aspects of this event. Ben Ahlvers, exhibitions director, joins the entire committee in being enthusiastic to bring this annual event to the community. The Lawrence Arts Center is a non-profit arts agency that has served the Lawrence community for 35 years. The Exhibitions Program strives to provide the highest quality in local, regional, national and international visual art. Between the two gallery spaces, the program hosts 13-16 exhibits per year. This annual event serves as the gallery program’s primary source of funding. Now, more than ever, we need you to become an active participant in the arts.

Featured Artist
Carol Ann Carter is a professor of visual art at the University of Kansas. Her work has been exhibited internationally in numerous individual and group exhibitions. Carol Ann’s art can be found in many collections including the Snite Museum, Notre Dame, Ind.; The Santa Reparata Print Studio, Florence, Italy; and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Silent Auction
Silent auction bidding will begin Monday, March 22 and close at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 10. Bids on silent auction pieces may be made at any time during the exhibition. Silent auction pieces may be “bought out” of the auction for 150 percent of posted retail value. Winners of silent auction items will be announced during the Live Auction on April 10. All pieces require a starting bid of at least 50 percent of retail value.

Live Auction
Live auction pieces will open for bid at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 10. Tickets are required to attend the Live Auction. All pieces require a starting bid of at least 50 percent of retail value.

Please visit www.lawrenceartscenter.com/Auction/index.html for details.

Creating holiday magic! Children’s Holiday Shop

It’s nearly time again for a favorite holiday tradition! The Children’s Holiday Shop at the Lawrence Arts Center will take place this year on Friday, December 11 for Arts Center members from 4:30 to 7pm, and then on Saturday, December 12 for the public from 9:30am to 2pm. The Holiday Shop allows children ages 3-12 to come and purchase gifts for their family, friends and even the family pet. Children will be assigned their own personal “elf” volunteer to assist them with shopping so that the gifts can be a surprise for even mom or dad. Gifts from $1 to $5 will be available for purchase. While kids shop, parents can enjoy listening to local musical talent and purchase yummy holiday cookies by the pound prepared by families and friends of the Arts-Based Preschool. Many thanks to our sponsor, Capitol Federal Savings, whose support makes it possible for the event to be even more special for the children. Please contact Jenny Dejmal at lacvolunteer@sunflower.com or 843-2787 if you’d like to volunteer as an elf or gift wrapper (14 years or older), or if you’d like to sponsor a child from a low-income family.

Get Your Cookies Here!

Yummy treats made by LAC family and friends will be sold by the pound at the Cookie Sale during the Children’s Holiday Shop. Proceeds will be used to buy supplies for the Arts-Based Preschool. Sweet!

Paul Mesner Puppets

Fun for the whole family
Paul Mesner Puppets: Anansi the Spider

Please join us for a wonderful family event as the ever-popular Paul Mesner and his team of puppeteers perform at the Arts Center again this year. The professional puppet theater company returns to present a collection of classic folk tales from Africa and the Caribbean, adapted by Paul Mesner himself. The common denominator is Anansi, the trickster spider, who sometimes finds himself getting tricked. This charming performance is perfect for children ages 3 and older (and grownups will enjoy it, too). Mesner is a puppeteer, author and performer. At age 12 his parents enrolled him in puppetry classes and he has been involved in the art form ever since. He produces a full season in Kansas City and presents shows in schools, community centers, festivals and theaters to more than 100,000 children and adults annually.

“Averting imminent disaster is what theatrical production is all about,” he says. “Kids know this, and I like to keep them thinking things are about to fall completely apart at any moment. This way, I slyly trick them into paying more attention.”

This special event is sponsored by Black Hills Energy, and proceeds benefit the Arts-Based Preschool scholarship fund at the Arts Center.

Two performances! Saturday, January 30—10am and 1pm Tickets (on sale beginning January 4): $5.50

Souper Bowl Saturday

Souper Bowl Saturday! February 6, 11am-2pm

Mark your calendars for this annual super-sized event! Shop for unique handmade bowls created and donated by local artists. Add some soup and local bread and you’ve got a real treat. Last year’s event was the largest to date with more than 800 bowls for sale — and we expect this year’s event to continue the tradition. Bowls range in price from $10 to $50, and your purchase includes delicious soup from Hy-Vee and bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. Both of these businesses have partnered with the Arts Center since the event began and their donations help make this event an ongoing success! Doors open promptly at 11am. A word to the wise: The line usually starts to form an hour before the doors open! All proceeds are used to enhance the ceramics program here at the Arts Center. Look for more information and a sneak peek of the event at www.lawrenceartscenter.org.

Langston Hughes Writing Awards

The Lawrence Arts Center and The Raven Bookstore announce their sponsorships of the Langston Hughes Creative Writing Awards. Two awards of $500 each are given annually, one in the area of poetry and one in the area of fiction. The 2010 winners will be announced at a reception to be held on Monday, February 1 at the Arts Center.

So much in Common

This fall, The Lawrence Arts Center came alive with art from the Common Ground exhibition. Close to 400 works of art were exhibited on all three floors of this building and events showcased not only seven years of visual arts education at the current Lawrence Arts Center location, but a variety of discussions on art and community. The Lawrence Arts Center would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the people who submitted work to this first-ever exhibition, and to the staff and the many volunteers who helped make this event happen. We would also like to thank our event sponsors, the Eye Doctors Optometrists and Peoples Optical, for their support.

Thank You, Volunteers!

The Lawrence Arts Center would like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who have donated their time and skill to us over the last year. Your dedication and support gave the Arts Center the opportunity to see our vision of nurturing a love of the arts to over 100,000 people in Lawrence and surrounding communities come to fruition through programs and events like the inaugural Divas and Gents: Ball d’Art, and Common Ground: An Uncommon Landscape of Art and Community. Our volunteers come from a myriad of backgrounds and offer their service in a variety of ways. Some stay for just a short time to help with a single event or production; others come back each session to assist our students with arts education and preschool classes, or help sell original artwork in the Gallery Shop.

This winter and spring, from planning and serving to setting up and cleaning up, the Lawrence Arts Center has a variety of volunteer needs for popular annual events including A Kansas Nutcracker and the Lawrence Art Auction. We are always interested in meeting individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering for these and the many other events we offer throughout the year.

For more information, contact Jenny Dejmal at lacvolunteer@sunflower.com or 843-2787. Or stop by our office at 940 New Hampshire to fill out a volunteer application or set up a group presentation, one-on-one meeting or guided tour of the Arts Center.