Since its inception in 1962, the Lawrence Art Guild has strived to support the
many artists and art events in the vicinity of Lawrence, Kansas. This "midwest oasis" has been calling to creative individuals for many years. It is interesting to find that in the early 1960s there were over 100 artists living in the Lawrence area.
The creative energy and support of the arts in Lawrence continues today. At last count, there were more than 1,000 artists living in the Lawrence area and almost 270 of them are listed as Lawrence Art Guild members.
Best in Show for Art in the Park 2006 - Joel Cooper
In 1961, when the organization was forming, so did the Guild's vision of creating a large art show. This new mass of artists pieced together the largest art event in the Lawrence area and so was born "Art
in the Park." Little did they know what a tradition they had created. Memories
abound of warm spring days, children playing and laughing in the green
grass and hundreds mingling to find wonderful art, food and music. Art
in the Park is an annual, juried event held each May in South Park.
Along
with organizing and producing Art in the Park, the Lawrence Art Guild
hosts the Holiday Art Fair each December and the All Members Show held at the Lawrence
Arts Center and the Lawrence Public Library. These events sometimes correspond with First Friday Gallery Walks. In addition, the Guild produces a quarterly newsletter with updates on calls for artists and event information. The Lawrence Art Guild meets on the third Monday of each month at the Lawrence Public Library. As Lawrence continues to be a place where so many are drawn and devoted to the arts, so will the Guild continue its tradition as an integral part of this special place.
Art in the Park 2006 1st Place 2D - Laura Nugent
Linda Baranski, Art Guild President, awarding Amy Meya 1st Place in 3-D for 2006 Art in the Park
Page text from "Arts in Action" Spring 2002 article by former Lawrence Art Guild Vice President, Karen Woolery
