Festivals provide variety

No matter what your tastes, there is something to quench your arts appetite in Lawrence.

The city plays host to various art festivals year round. Artists gather to display their work, which ranges from sculptures made by nationally-known craftsmen to homemade wares from the kid next-door.

Kristin Toillon examines a fuzzy cow puppet at a booth at the Lawrence Fall Arts and Crafts Festival in South Park.

Lawrence residents don’t have to search far to find a masterpiece in any medium along the art spectrum. Here are just a few places to look:

Lawrence ArtWalk

On Oct. 26 and 27, artists all over Lawrence, plus a few outside of town, will open their doors to visitors in a two-day, citywide open house.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to meet with local artists in person and see the environment in which they create their artwork,” said John Wysocki, event organizer.

This tour of the Douglas County art scene features more than 72 participants in 45 locations. A map guides visitors to sites. Maps are available at all locations on the tour, and the Lawrence Art Center, 940 N.H.

Wysocki said that the ArtWalk is unique because it features artists from the Lawrence area.

“People will realize we have a very talented art community artists who live in Lawrence and the surrounding county,” Wysocki said.

Last year, thousands of people attended from all over the country and the world. Strolling through galleries and studios, visitors can meet artists, watch them work and buy unique art made in Lawrence.

“I get positive feedback every year,” Wysocki said. “It’s gotten to the stage where people know it and look forward to it every year.”

For more information, visit the ArtWalk Web site at www.sunflower.com/~lawrenceartwalk, or contact Wysocki at 865-4254.

Bizarre Bazaar

The bazaar originated in 1989 in Nan Renbarger’s house. Artists would gather at the local resident’s home to display some of the kookiest art they could come up with.

The bazaar, always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has outgrown Renbarger’s house. It now calls the Lawrence Arts Center home and still claims some of the goofiest art. Past artists have decorated mannequin legs, homemade finger puppets and even “altar” art.

“This is a show for local artists to get together and do art that comes from the heart,” said Emma Martin, event coordinator and Renbarger’s daughter.

The show is open to anyone, with no limits on which or how many artists may show their work. Martin said the bazaar has featured the work of kids as young as 6.

“People are happy to have a place to shop for local artists, and not the mainstream artists, either,” Martin said. “When you come to the bazaar, you never know what you are going to get.”

The traditional entry fee for artists is a baked good and a gallon of apple cider to be sold at the event’s bake sale. While the bake sale is still the show’s primary source of funds, there is a small entry fee this year because of higher costs to rent the new arts center.

For more information, contact Martin at 841-9870.

Holiday Art Fair

Despite its name, the Holiday Art Fair sports much more than just Christmas decorations or holiday-themed crafts.

On the first Saturday of December, 50 local artists gather at the arts center to display their work. The fair shows a variety of art, large and small, in many mediums and price ranges.

“It’s a chance to buy fine art right before the holidays,” said Elaine Matt, president of the Lawrence Art Guild. “Art makes a great gift and here you are supporting local artists.”

Traditionally held on the same day as the Downtown Christmas Parade, patrons shop in a festive atmosphere. The Arts Center decorates for the holidays with a large Christmas tree and glittering lights. Visitors are also treated to warm music as they browse for goods. A wine and cheese reception is held at the close of the event, free and open to the public.

Funds from this event support the Lawrence Art Guild and local artists. For more information contact Patty Boyer at 843-9431.

Art in the Park

For the past 43 years on the first Sunday of May music and fine art have met in South Park, 11th and Massachusetts streets, to greet the spring.

Tens of thousands of visitors stroll through the park and look at the wares of hundreds of artists from Lawrence and the area. Visitors can find a variety of fine art, including photography, sculptures, ceramics and paintings.

“It’s become a kickoff to spring for many people,” said Elaine Matt, president of the Lawrence Art Guild, which sponsors the event.

The festivities begin at noon with a performance by the City Band in the gazebo. Music continues throughout the afternoon. The festival has been hosts to jazz, folk, swing, and even rock groups.

Matt said the event is also geared towards family. The Lawrence Art Center sponsors a kids’ tent where children can make original pieces.

For more information, contact Matt at 841-2065.

Fall Arts Fair

For 23 years, artists from all over the country have stopped in Lawrence on the second Sunday of September to display their wares.

“A lot of these folks come through the Midwest this time of year,” said Duane Peterson, special events supervisor at Parks and Recreation. “They stop here as they continue through to other venues. Everyone loves to stop in Lawrence.”

Artists bring with them many types of arts and crafts, including jewelry, handmade chairs, rugs and glass art. More than 150 exhibitors were at the fair two weeks ago, attracting approximately 10,000 people to South Park.

The event also features activities for kids a moon walk, train ride around the park, and places for them to make art themselves.

“We have made it more of a family event, so we see more people attending,” Peterson said. “Lawrence is a great community for families.”

The fair begins at 10 a.m. with the “Mass Street Mile.” Participants begin at City Hall, run to Francis Sporting Goods, and then turn around and head back toward South Park. Runners receive prizes and certificates.

For more information, contact Peterson at 832-7949.