Lawrence artist Stan Herd, known for his large-scale landscapes in the Kansas plains and beyond, is headed to Cuba with a sack full of medical supplies.

That’s right, medical supplies: bandages, antibiotics, analgesics — whatever he can gather in the next two weeks.

Herd’s medical mission is the latest twist in his journey to build a giant earthen portrait of Cuban poet and patriot Jose Mart– in the middle of Havana. At one point, it seemed the U.S. government had given him the green light to pursue the project.

In the past year, however, relations between the United States and Cuba have soured, making it increasingly harder for Herd to get to the island nation.

That’s where the medical supplies come in.

On June 7, when Herd and two other Lawrence residents leave for Havana, the official purpose on their travel license will be to deliver medical supplies to the Cuban Association of Physically Disabled People. Herd said he hoped the delivery would show his good will toward the Cuban people.

However, because of the limited terms of the travel license, he won’t be able to do any work raising money or selecting the site for the Mart– portrait — at least not officially.

“I don’t think it’s time for that,” Herd said. “But we will reconnect with people and then hope that that will evolve in future trips.”

In early 2001, Herd completed a smaller project in Havana’s central park: a depiction of a white rose inspired by a famous Mart– poem. In February 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department granted a one-year license to pursue the Mart– project.

Lawrence Residents, from left, Stan Herd, Bob Augelli and Pete Rowland are trying to gather medical supplies to take to Cuba in June. Their visas only allow them to deliver the supplies, not to continue work on Herd's Jose Mart�-- portrait project.

However, that license expired Jan. 30, and so far Herd has been unable to get the government to renew it.

According to media reports, the Bush administration has been considering new sanctions against Cuba aimed at punishing President Fidel Castro.

In April, Castro drew the anger of the U.S. government and Cuban-American exiles by jailing 75 dissidents. During a speech early this month, Castro called President Bush “an unbridled fanatic” and claimed the United States was plotting to overthrow him, according to media reports.

¢ Rosa Blanca director to attend U.S.-Cuba summit (9-12-2002)¢ Lawrence artists wins OK for project in Havana (2-07-2002)¢ Bush’s Cuban policy a challenge for crop artist (7/23/2001)¢ Senator intervenes on Cuba art project (6-19-2001)¢ Artists share Cuban adventure (3-05-2001)¢ Herd to dedicate project (1-14-2001)¢ Artist’s Cuban rose about to bloom (10-28-2000)¢ Lawrence artist a hit with Cubans (9-18-2000)¢ Stan Herd’s site

The U.S. government lost Herd’s first application to renew the license, said Bob Augelli, a local consultant to Herd who’s coordinating the Cuban artwork efforts. Augelli recently submitted another application, but he isn’t holding his breath.

“One thing you learn when you have anything to do with Cuba is that the sands are shifting, and they can shift rapidly,” Augelli said.

Herd is traveling with Augelli and friend Pete Rowland. They’re planning a benefit dinner Sunday to defray costs, and they’re also appealing to Lawrence’s medical community for donated supplies.

Anyone interested in making a donation or attending the dinner can call Augelli at 843-5050.