Tour gives up-close look at downtown sculptures

Lawrence residents got a chance Saturday to become acquainted with the eight sculptures that will dot downtown for the next year.

Above, a crowd surrounds one of the new sculptures, “Digital Overload” by Myles Schachter, Lawrence.

About 50 people walked through downtown with representatives of the Lawrence Arts Center. The tour took participants to all the sculptures in the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, where juror Jan Schall gave information about the pieces and explained why they were chosen.

In its 16th year, the exhibition features art from all over the country. After a year, the pieces are either sold or returned to the artist. This year’s show displays eight sculptures out of 40 submitted. Marlene Merrill, chairwoman of the exhibit, said Lawrence was fortunate to have such a well-known art show.

Brochures for self-guided tours are available at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. To purchase a piece, call the city manager’s office, 832-3400, or visit the office at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.

Business: Southwind 12 theaters changes ownership

Entertainment Properties Trust is the new owner of the Southwind 12 theaters in Lawrence, the Kansas City, Mo.-based company announced.

In a news release Friday, Entertainment Properties said it had bought the Southwind 12 and the AMC Veterans 24-screen megaplex theater in Tampa, Fla., for about $29.5 million.

The real estate investment trust, which owns entertainment-related properties, said Wallace Theatre Corp. would continue to operate the Southwind 12 theaters, 3433 Iowa, under a long-term lease. Wallace is the former owner.

Entertainment Properties has made about $60 million in acquisitions in the year to date, the company said.