Judhe Jensen grew up reading magazines like Mad and Famous Monsters of Filmland while studying the artwork of Rat Fink creator Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, so it’s no wonder her ceramic art is dominated by bizarre, warty faces of toothy monsters.

Jensen’s display was one of more than 100 attracting attention Sunday during this year’s Art in the Park at South Park.

Free State High school student Caroline Bauer looks at earrings made from sterling silver and gemstones by Lawrence artist Julie Kingsbury at Art in the Park. Bauer perused the artistic creations Sunday afternoon at South Park.

“People are having fun,” Jensen, of Topeka, said. “They look at my stuff and they giggle. Whether or not they buy anything is OK. It’s been decent.”

This was the third year Jensen had set up at the popular outdoor art show, which, boosted by sunny, cool weather, drew thousands of people. She calls her demonic-looking ceramic cups, canisters and other containers “Wizard’s Toys.”

“It’s what I do,” she said.

In addition to viewing the many displays, those attending the 44th annual event put on by the Lawrence Art Guild also enjoyed musical entertainment performed at the park’s gazebo by a number of musicians. There also were martial arts demonstrations. Food and drinks were available at several concession stands.

Sitting on the grass relaxing and taking it all in were Dominic Sova, of Stull, and Sarah Sims, of Lawrence. They’ve attended the art show the past few years and had already scrutinized some of the displays.

“I just like to look and see what the people are doing and see the art,” Sova said.

Neither Sova nor Sims had purchased any art, but Sims said it was a good possibility she would be leaving with a few items before the afternoon was over.

Booths and tents line the sidewalks of South Park during the annual celebration of artistic creativity known as Art in the Park. Thousands of people explored the offerings at the 44th annual show and sale Sunday.

“I’m waiting for my mom right now,” she said. “My sister’s graduating, and there’s Mother’s Day coming up.”

Sims also said she would be looking for something to purchase for herself.

Lora Farrell, an Emporia State University graduate student, looks at paintings by Merriam artist Laura Nugent during Art in the Park. Nugent was one of more than 100 artists displaying their work at the annual show.

Ronald Beeton, of Marion, was trying to sell some of his photographs, both color and black and white. He set up a booth at this year’s show for the first time, he said.

Beeton’s photos were of outdoor scenes that included old farmhouses, approaching thunderstorms and snow-covered fields. They were all taken in the Flint Hills around Matfield Green with cameras that use film, which he developed and printed the old-fashioned way, he said.

“I take pictures at a lot of the same places,” Beeton said. “I keep going back to them and trying to make them better.”

6News video: Lawrence artists sell work for good cause

Beeton said he enjoyed his first trip to the Lawrence art show.

“It’s been a pretty good day, but most people are just looking,” he said.