KU student’s work explores relationship to homes

Kansas University student Jessica Smith will present “Domestic Element,” her master’s degree thesis exhibition, in three store windows in downtown Lawrence.

The exhibit can be seen at The Bay Leaf, 725 Mass., Blue Heron Futons and Home Furnishings, 921 Mass., and Sarah’s Fabrics, 925 Mass.

Smith, who is studying textiles and fiber, believes that the way people decorate their homes directly relates to their image as individuals and as members of a community.

She believes the dining room, living room and parlor are decorated for others to appreciate and allow the outside world a glimpse into the person’s life.

With that in mind, Smith produces narrative patterns used on the fabric, wall coverings and accoutrements. Above are “Suburbs Taking Over Mt. Rushmore,” wall covering; “Emblem,” curtain; and “Spying on China,” upholstery. Her creations are a dialogue between installation art and interior design.

An opening reception will be from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 10 at Blue Heron. The works will be displayed until March 17.

Lawrence high school musician win awards

Brian Fletcher, a Lawrence high school student, received third place in the recent Kansas City Symphony Orchestra High School Concerto Contest.

He also won the Kansas City Junior Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition and will perform Mayuzumi’s “Concertino for Xylophone” in October with the Kansas City (Senior) Youth Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he was one of four winners in the Fort Hays State University High School Talent Competition and will perform a joint concert with the other winners.

He is a student of Lawrence musician Linda Maxey. He has been studying marimba for 1 1/2 years.

Figure skating champs to perform in KC

Kansas City, Mo. Â If you didn’t get enough figure skating with the Olympics, then mark your calendar for the John Hancock Champions on Ice 2002 Olympic Tour, which will appear June 22 at Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee.

The cast includes Michelle Kwan, Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss, Irina Slutskaya and Sarah Hughes, right.

Tickets range from $31 to $61 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, (816) 931-3330 or www.ticketmaster.com.

State arts commission to give tips on grants

The Kansas Arts Commission will offer a grant-writing workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

Commission members will explain the guidelines and answer questions about the process to request grants from the operational support, technical assistance, project support, grass-roots and Arts in Education programs.

The free workshop is open to the public.

LHS Battle of Bands on Friday afternoon

Lawrence High School’s Battle of the Bands will be from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday in the school’s cafeteria.

Performers include Uriah, Translucent, Trail Blazers, One-One-Nine, Near Life Experience, Conceptual Blue, Green Eggs and Man, and Clockwork.

Admission is $3, or $2 with a canned good. All canned goods will be donated to charity.