Local artist named finalist for program

Former Lawrence High School student Brian Flescher, who attends Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan as a percussionist, has been selected to participate in the 2005 ARTS Week Monday through Jan. 16 in Miami, Fla.

Finalists will be judged in a series of final auditions and showcase performances during their trip. They are vying for individual cash awards up to $10,000 and the opportunity to share in a $3 million college scholarship package.

Up to 50 of the ARTS finalists will be nominated to the Commission on Presidential Scholars for the opportunity to be named Presidential Scholars in the Arts and be honored in a White House-sponsored medallion ceremony in June.

Before coming to Interlochen, Flescher studied percussion with Linda Maxey and John Parks in Lawrence. He is the son of Anne Schulman, of Lawrence.

Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS) is a program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Lied Center receives award for programming

The Lied Center has received special recognition for adventurous programming, given jointly by Chamber Music America and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

The award recognizes ensembles and presenters who feature contemporary work, focusing on performances of music written after 1980. It will be presented Jan. 15 at the Chamber Music America national conference in New York.

Lied Center associate director Karen Christilles, who served on the conference planning committee, will be at the conference to accept the award.

Gallery accepting entries for valentine’s

The Olive Gallery, 15 E. Eighth St., is accepting entries for its second annual valentine’s exhibition.

The deadline to enter is 10 p.m. Jan. 30

Any medium is acceptable and all entries must convey a theme of love. Entries can’t exceed 3 feet in any direction.

The entry fee is $10.

Prizes will be awarded 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 5.