2008 Spring arts calendar

Faculty and visiting artists will play a series of free concerts this spring at Swarthout Recital Hall in Kansas University's Murphy Hall.

Morgan, by Zak Barnes, is one of the works that will be featured in Crossroads:

The Chiara String quartet will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Lied Center. Call 864-2787 for more information.

Ring

The 31st annual Jazz Festival is scheduled March 7-8, with concerts at 7:30 p.m. both evenings at Lawrence High School, 1901 La.

Several arts events this spring will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Murphy Hall, shown here in this file photo. They include performances by Kansas University alumni.

Spencer Museum of Art spring calendar

Jan. 24: Film: “The Rape of Europa,” 7 p.m., auditorium.

Jan. 31: Presentation: “How to Help A Sexual Assault Survivor: What Men Can Do,” 7 p.m., auditorium. A selection of educational posters will be on display in the Central Court from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Jan. 26: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Anatomy of a Print,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864-0137 to enroll.

Feb. 6: Performance: Claudia Stevens, Performance Artist & Playwright, presents “Blue Lias, or the Fish Lizard’s Whore,” 7:30 p.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

Feb. 7: Gallery Conversation, 12:15 p.m., location TBA.

Installation opening: Artist Marguerite Perret in collaboration with Bruce Scherting & Betsy Knabe Roe present “Niche: Nature morte and the simulated garden,” 3 p.m.-5 p.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

Art Talk: SMA intern Ellen Raimond on “Reframing Society: Russian Constructivist Photography,” 6:30 p.m., North Balcony Gallery.

Films: “Victory Over the Sun” and “Man with a Movie Camera,” 7 p.m., auditorium.

Feb. 9: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Tell Me a Story,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864-0137 to enroll.

Feb. 12: University Lecture Series: Nate Brunsell on “Trading Water for Carbon: Climate Change in Kansas,” 7 p.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

Feb. 14: Film: “Aelita, Queen of Mars,” 7 p.m., auditorium.

Feb. 21: Film: “Ballet Russes,” 6:30 p.m., auditorium.

Feb. 23: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Machine Man,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864-0137 to enroll.

March 5: University Lecture Series: Roderick Bremby on “An Evening with Roderick Bremby,” 7 p.m., Dole Institute of Politics.

March 6: Gallery Conversation: Lauren Kernes, Education Intern, 12:15 p.m., location TBA.

Poetry Reading: Lyn Hejinian, University of California-Berkeley, 4 p.m., Central Court.

Opening reception: “International Modernism @ the Spencer,” 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries.

March 7: Town & Gown Forum: “Japan and International Modernism: 1950-1970,” 9:30 a.m., Central Court & Galleries.

March 8: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Shaping Color,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., call 864-0137 to enroll.

March 10: KU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: “Japan and International Modernism: 1950-1970,” 2 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, enrollment required, call 864-5823 or send e-mail to kuce@ku.edu.

March 11: Artist Lecture: Karl Wirsum, 7 p.m., auditorium.

March 13: Senior Session: “Enigmatic Elizabeth,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Franklin D. Murphy Lecture: David Lubin on “About Face: WWI, Plastic Surgery, and the American Beauty Revolution, 1915-30,” 5:30 p.m., auditorium, reception to follow in the Central Court.

March 14: Franklin D. Murphy Lecture: David Lubin on “Mobilizing Art: The Visual Culture of U.S. Intervention in the First World War,” 7 p.m., Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Atkins Auditorium, Kansas City.

March 17-21: Spring break. No programs.

March 25: Film: “Company Jasmine,” 5:30 p.m., auditorium.

March 26: Lecture: Linda Weintraub, noon, The Commons, Spooner Hall.

University Lecture Series: William Pizer on “Global Climate Change Policy: What is Achievable and What are the Options?” 7 p.m., the Commons, Spooner Hall.

March 27: Senior Session: “American in Paris,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Location TBA.

Lecture: Reiko Tomii, 5:30 p.m., Spencer Room 211.

April 1: Film: “Storm of Emotions,” 5:30 p.m., auditorium.

April 3: Gallery Conversation: Ellen Raimond, photography intern, 12:15 p.m., location TBA.

Art Talk: SMA Curator Kris Ercums on “Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s,” 5:30 p.m., Kress Gallery.

April 3: Film: “Woman in the Dunes,” 6 p.m., auditorium.

April 5: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Painting with Letters,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864-0137 to enroll.

April 7: Lecture: Tim Flannery, Internationally Acclaimed Scientist, Explorer, Humanist & Conservationist on “The Weather Makers: How We Are Changing the Climate and What It Means,” 7:30 p.m., Kansas Union ballroom.

April 8: “A Conversation with Tim Flannery,” 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

April 9: University Lecture Series: Andrew Torrance on “Climate Change and the Changing Legal Climate,” 7 p.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

April 10: Gallery Conversation: Lara Kuykendall, European and American Art intern, and Burdett Loomis, 12:15 p.m., location TBA.

Senior Session: “Chocwe Chairs,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m., location TBA.

April 12: Teacher Workshop: “Art, Politics, and Revolution: The Russian Avant-Garde and the Struggle for Ideas,” 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Spencer auditorium & galleries.

April 16: University Lecture Series: Artist Terry Evans on “From Prairie to Ice Sheet,” 7 p.m., The Commons, Spooner Hall.

April 17: Film: “Kwaidan,” 6 p.m., auditorium.

April 19: Panel Discussion: “Dance in a Global Society,” 10 a.m., Auditorium and Teaching Gallery.

April 20: Music performance: Betty Hensley performs “Flutesong on the Kansas Prairie,” 3 p.m., Central Court.

April 24: Senior Session: “Central Court Treasures,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

April 26: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Japanese Ceramics,” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864.0137 to enroll.

May 1: Gallery Conversation: Shuyun Ho, Asian Art Intern, “Abstract Calligraphy works in ‘Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s,'” 12:15 p.m., Kress Gallery.

Student Night: “International Modernism,” 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Central Court & Galleries.

May 3: Arts Festival: In conjunction with “International Modernism @ Spencer,” 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Central, Galleries & Front Lawn.

May 8: Senior Session: “Renaissance Hope Chest,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Film: “Branded to Kill,” 7 p.m., auditorium.

May 10: Children’s Art Appreciation Class: “Splat!” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Central Court & Galleries, call 864-0137 to enroll.

May 11: Music performance: KU Music Student Nicky Taylor, 3 p.m., Central Court.

May 22: Senior Session: “New Spooner Commons,” 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

May 24: Music performance: Goldenburg Duo, noon, Central Court.

January

Today: Gallery talk: “The Creative Process: How Art is Born,” with Colette Bangert and Andrew Hadle, 5:30 p.m., 6 Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

¢ Opening art reception: “Remembered Stars,” by Natalie Anne Dye, 7 p.m., The Bourgeois Pig, 6 E. Ninth St., 843-1001, through Feb. 9.

Friday: Opening reception: “Crossroads: Midwestern Views,” by Dan Coburn and Zak Barnes, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., CornerBank, 4621 W. Sixth St., 843-9400, through Feb. 29.

¢ Lawrence Community Theatre: “Greater Tuna,” 8 p.m., 1501 N.H., 843-7469. Also Saturday, Sunday, Jan. 24-27, Jan. 31, and Feb. 1-3. See www.theatrelawrence.com for showtimes and ticket information.

¢ EMU Theatre: “Mere Mortals,” 8 p.m., Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave., $12 adults/$8 students and seniors, 843-2787, also Saturday and Jan. 25-26.

¢ Live music: Sylvia Niccum, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

Saturday: Puppeteer Paul Mesner, 10 a.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $5.50, 843-2787.

¢ Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $52 for adults, 864-2787.

¢ English Alternative Theatre: “Lights Fade, Curtain,” 10 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $10 adults/$8 seniors/$6 students, 843-2787.

Jan. 22: Visiting Artist Series, Paul Barnes, piano, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Talk and book-signing: Sara Paretsky, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

Jan. 24: KU Opera: “La Traviata,” 7:30 p.m., Robert Baustian Theatre, $15 adults/$7 students, 864-2787. Also performances Jan. 26, 29, 31, Feb. 2.

Jan. 25: Opening reception: New works by John Gary Brown, Steven Graber and Roxann Graber, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Pachamama’s, 800 N.H., 841-0990. On display through March 8.

¢ Poetry reading by Thomas Reynolds, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Downtown Lawrence Gallery Walk, locations vary.

¢ Reception and gallery talk for artists Matthew Burke and Thomas Huang, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

¢ Chiara String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $28 for adults, 864-2787.

¢ Live music: Steve Carlson, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

Jan. 27: BFA Senior Art Department Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery. Through Feb. 1.

Jan. 28: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Chuck Owens, ceramics, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

Jan. 29: First Step House concert, by the 940 Dance Co., 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., 843-2787.

Jan. 30: Lawrence Public Library’s Last Wednesday Book Club: “Les Miserables,” by Victor Hugo, 7 p.m., 707 Vt.

Jan. 31: Opening reception: “Assemblages,” by Karen Jacks, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Social Suppers, 3819 Clinton Parkway, 841-4200, through March 9.

¢ Lawrence High School presents “Romeo and Juliet,” 7:30 p.m., 1901 La., also Feb. 1-2.

¢ Central Junior High School winter choral concert, 7:30 p.m., 1400 Mass.

February

Feb. 1: Visiting Artist Series, Roberta Gary, organ, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, $12 adults/$5 students, 864-2787.

¢ Live music: Lisa Sandell, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

¢ Opening exhibits at Lawrence Public Library: Women’s Transitional Care Services children’s artwork; “African American Horse Culture of the American Plains,” by Mitch Pearson; religious icons, by Alan Detrich; and artwork by Carol Vickroy, 707 Vt., through Feb. 29.

Feb. 2: Souper Bowl Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $10-$30 donation.

¢ Lawrence Chamber Orchestra Baroque by Candlelight concert, 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., $30 single tickets, $50 for two, includes reception, 843-2787.

Feb. 3: Graduate Student Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery. Through Feb. 15.

Feb. 6: 2008 Local Artist Series: Heather Smith-Jones, mixed media, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 1100 Mass., through March 4.

Feb. 7: Jazz Ensembles I, II, & III, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ Visiting Artist Series, Gregory Lee, violin, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

Feb. 8: Capote Film Series: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Reception for works loaned by Marjorie Swann and Bill Tsutsui, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

¢ Live music: Ryan Mayo, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

Feb. 9: “A Concert for Youth of All Ages,” 2 p.m., 940 Dance Co., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $8.50 adults/$6.50 students and seniors, 843-2787.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: Visiting Artist Series, Paige Morgan, oboe, and William Davis, bassoon, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

Feb. 10: Double Reed Annual Member Recital, 3 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Gallery talk: “The Creative Process: How Art is Born,” with Dave Van Hee and Constance Ehrlich, time TBA, 6Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

Feb. 11: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Phil Carrizzi, metals, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

¢ Visiting Artist Series, Tom Stein, tuba, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free admission.

Feb. 12: Tuesday Noonday Lenten organ recital, Anna Myeong, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

¢ Gallery talk by Marjorie Swann and Bill Tsutsui, 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

¢ Graduate Honors Recital, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ “Ring of Fire,” 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $49/adults, 864-2787.

Feb. 14: KU Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ Free State High School presents “Death by Chocolate,” 7:30 p.m., 4700 Overland Drive. Also Feb. 15.

¢ Lawrence Community Theatre: “Songs for Sweethearts,” Maceli’s, 1031 N.H., 843-7469. See www.theatrelawrence.com for showtimes and ticket information.

Feb. 15: West Junior High Players present “30 Reasons Not to Be in a Play,” 7 p.m., 2700 Harvard Road, also Feb. 16.

¢ Capote Film Series: “In Cold Blood,” 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Band of the Coldstream Guards, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $48/adults, 864-2787.

¢ Live music: Dave Barnes, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

¢ “Queen Berta and King Pippin: a Medieval Tale of Treachery,” by storyteller Priscilla Howe, 8 p.m., Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. Second St.

Feb. 16: Latex Trombone Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

Feb. 17: Takács Quartet with Joyce Yang, piano, 2 p.m., Lied Center, $34 for adults, 864-2787.

¢ “Rapunzel,” 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $6, 843-2787.

¢ KU Horn Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Art Department Faculty Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery, through Feb. 29.

Feb. 19: Tuesday Noonday Lenten organ recital, Tandy Reussener, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

¢ The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, 7 p.m., Lied Center, $24 adults/$12 children, 864-2787.

Feb. 21: Exhibit: Kathy Wismer, photography, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., through March 16, 843-7469.

¢ University Band & Symphonic Band, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

Feb. 22: Capote Film Series: “The Grass Harp,” 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ City Youth Theatre Cabaret Showcase: “For Richer or Poorer,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $9 adults/$7 seniors and students.

¢ Live music: Chris Gorney, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

Feb. 23: Visiting Artist Series, Laura Talbott, violin, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

Feb. 24: Visiting Artist Series, Forzato Quartet, 2:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free admission.

¢ An Actual Kansas Reading Series: Deb Olin Unferth and Tao Lin, 7 p.m., 6 Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

Feb. 25: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Sean Adams, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

¢ Kansas Reads “In Cold Blood,” by Truman Capote, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Faculty Recital Series, Kansas Woodwinds, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

Feb. 26: Tuesday Noonday Lenten organ recital, Stephan Casurella, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

¢ KU Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/ $5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

Feb. 27: Last Wednesday Book Club: “In Cold Blood,” by Truman Capote, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Jazz Combos, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., free.

Feb. 28: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: Visiting Artist Series, Carine Gutlemer, piano, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Lawrence Community Theatre: “The Cover of Life,” 1501 N.H., 843-7469. Also Feb. 29, March 1-2, March 6-9. See www.theatrelawrence.com for showtimes and ticket information.

Feb. 29: Capote Film Series: “Infamous,” 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $10 adults/$8 seniors and students, 843-2787, also March 1-2.

¢ “Catch-22,” Aquila Theatre Company, 7 p.m., Lied Center, $30 for adults, 864-2787.

¢ Visiting Artist Series, David Holloway, baritone, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Aquila Theatre Co.: “Catch-22,” 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $30 for adults, 864-2787.

¢ Live music: Sam Billen, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

March

March 1: Exhibits opening at Lawrence Public Library: “Between Earth and Sky: Photos by Daniel Coburn,” and art by Bishop Seabury Academy students, 707 Vt., through March 31.

March 2: Visiting Artist Series, Andreas van Zoest, guitar, 2:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

March 4: Tuesday Noonday Lenten organ recital, Nick Bideler, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

¢ “Music of Rodger Vaughan,” KU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: Visiting Artist Series, Ruth Krusemark, organ, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free admission.

¢ MFA Thesis Exhibition: Todd Cero Alt and Rachel Huffman, KU Art & Design Gallery, through March 14.

March 5: 2008 Local Artist Series: Kyle Morgison, enhanced photography, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 1100 Mass., through April 1.

March 7: Opening reception: “CornerBank Cohorts,” 5 p.m.-7 p.m., CornerBank, 4621 W. Sixth St.

¢ Opening reception: “O Love! Sweet Animal,” 7 p.m.-10 p.m., 6 Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

¢ Performance by Maya Zahira Foundation School of Belly Dance, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ 31st Annual Jazz Festival, 7:30 p.m. concert, Lawrence High School auditorium, 1901 La., $15 adults/$10 students and seniors, 864-2787. Also March 8.

¢ Live music: Three Bean Salad, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

March 8: Youth Ballet Company Spring Show, 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $6.50 adults/$4.50 seniors and students, 843-2787. Also 2 p.m. March 9.

March 9: The Aspen Ensemble, 2 p.m., Lied Center, $28 for adults, 864-2787.

March 10: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Roger Black, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

¢ Visiting Artist Series, Katie McLin, violin, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

March 11: Tuesday Noonday Lenten organ recital, Benjamin Keseley, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

¢ Bales Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free.

¢ Faculty Recital Series, Vince Gnojek, saxophone, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

March 12: Undergraduate Honors Recital, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Pilobolus Dance Theatre, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $32 for adults, 864-2787.

March 24: Visiting Artist Series, Maureen O’Boyle, violin, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ MFA Thesis Exhibition-Lara Freiheit and Stephanie Sailer, KU Art & Design Gallery, through March 31.

March 26: Last Wednesday Book Club: “Charming Billy,” by Alice McDermott, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

¢ Faculty Recital Series, Trio Fedele, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Urban Bush Women/Compagnie JANT-BI, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $30 for adults, 864-2787.

March 29: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: Visiting Artist Series, Keith Lloyd and Stephen Versaevel, percussion, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

March 30: Mu Phi Epsilon Gala Concert, 2:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

March 31: Faculty Recital Series, Steven Spooner, piano, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

April

April 1: Joy of Singing concert, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ KU Trombone Choir, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Opening exhibits at Lawrence Public Library: “Photographs of Landscape, Nature and Architecture,” by Roger Spohn, “Jewelry and Paintings,” by Rachael Sudlow, and “Insect Art,” by Katie Jennings, 707 Vt., through April 30.

April 2: Living with the Land book discussion group: “Prodigal Summer,” by Barbara Kingsolver, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ KU Percussion Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Murphy Hall Room 130, free.

¢ 2008 Local Artist Series: Lola Williams, watercolor, acrylic and oil, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 1100 Mass., through April 29.

April 3: MFA Thesis Exhibition: Bryan Park and Besty Timmer, KU Art & Design Gallery, through April 11.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: KU Opera presents William Inge’s “Picnic,” 7:30 p.m., Robert Baustian Theatre, $20 adults/$10 students, 864-2787. Also April 5, 8, 10, 12.

April 4: Exhibit: Sue Suhler, paintings, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., through May 4, 843-7469.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: Visiting Artist Series, Darry Dolezal, Nancy Ives and David Shumway, cellos, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Live music: Ryan Mayo, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

April 5: “Monkey Tales and Tails,” (theater for children), 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $4, 843-2787.

¢ Lawrence Art Auction preview party, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., 843-2787.

¢ An Actual Kansas Reading Series, with Shanna Compton, Jennifer Knox and Danielle Pafunda, 7 p.m., 6 Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

April 6: Viewing and discussion of “Cities of Light,” 2:30 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: KU Choirs, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $10 adults/$7 students and seniors, 864-2787.

April 7: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Sean Donahue, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

April 8: Faculty Recital Series, Michael Bauer and Marie Rubis Bauer, organ, “Buxtehude Series,” 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free.

¢ Gilbert & Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore,” 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $49 for adults, 864-2787.

April 9: Jazz Combos, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, free admission.

¢ Visiting Artist Series, Peter Madson, trombone, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

April 10: Gabriela Montero, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $32 for adults, 864-2787.

April 11: Douglas County Open Studios preview exhibit opening reception, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Watkins Community Museum of History, 1047 Mass. See www.douglascountyopenstudios.org for details of tours scheduled April 19-20 and April 26-27.

¢ Lawrence Community Theatre: “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure,” 1501 N.H., 843-7469. Also April 12-13, April 17-20, and April 24-27. See www.theatrelawrence.com for showtimes and ticket information.

¢ Kaleidoscope (dancer showcase), 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $6.50 adults/$4.50 seniors and students, 843-2787.

¢ Live music: Chris Gorney, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

April 12: Lawrence Art Auction, 6 p.m. (doors open), Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $25 in advance, $30 at the door, 843-2787.

¢ East Village Opera Co., 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $25 for adults, 864-2787.

April 13: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event, Faculty Recital Series, Paul Stevens, horn and Delores Stevens, piano, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Installation Class 2008 Annual Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery, through April 18.

April 14: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event, Faculty Recital Series, Stephanie Zelnick, clarinet, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

April 15: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event, Faculty Recital Series, Organ, Brass and Percussion Concert, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free.

April 16: National Poetry Month celebration, with Kansas Poet Laureate Denise Low, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

April 17: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event, University Dance Company, 7:30 p.m. performances, Lied Center, $10 adults/$7 students and seniors, 864-2787. Also April 18.

¢ Free State High School Black Box Theater Festival, 4700 Overland Drive. Also April 18-19.

April 18: Visiting Artist Series, Susan Landale, organ, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, $12 adults/$5 students, 864-2787.

April 19: “Alice in Wonderland,” 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $5.50 adults/ $3.50 students and seniors, 843-2787.

¢ Rededication ceremony of the Elizabeth Sherbon Dance Theatre, 2:30 p.m., Elizabeth Sherbon Theatre, Robinson Center, advance registration required, 864-4264.

April 20: Design Craft Area Student Scholarship Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery, through April 25.

¢ Lawrence Chamber Orchestra concert, 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., adults $13/seniors $10/students $8, 843-2787.

April 21: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Ann Willoughby, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

April 22: Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event: KU Jazz presents John Williams’ “My Fair Lady,” 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $10 adults/ $7 students and seniors, 864-2787.

April 23: Living with the Land book discussion group: “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

April 24: Faculty Recital Series, Joyce Castle, mezzo-soprano, 7:30 p.m., Crafton-Preyer Theatre, $20 adults/$10 students and seniors.

April 25: 940 Dance Co. New Works Concert, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $13 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, 843-2787, also April 26.

¢ Live music: Steve Carlson, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

April 26: Kaw Valley Quilter’s Guild show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St., 832-2729, also April 27.

¢ Poetry writing workshop, with Caryn Goldberg, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Murphy Hall 50th anniversary event, KU Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $10 adults/$7 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ Lawrence Civic Choir 2008 spring concert, 8 p.m., Lawrence Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave., $10 adults/$8 students and seniors/$5 children 12 and under.

April 27: Murphy 50th anniversary event, KU Wind Ensemble, 2:30 p.m., Lied Center, $10 adults/ $7 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ Visual Communications Scholarship exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery, through May 2.

April 28: Hallmark Design Symposium Series: Jerry Bleem, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Wescoe Hall Room 3139, free.

April 29: Symphonic Band, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

¢ Faculty Recital Series, Michael Bauer, organ, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free.

April 30: Last Wednesday Book Club: “Plainsong,” by Kent Haruf, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

¢ KU Saxophone Quartets, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free admission.

¢ 2008 Local Artist Series: Joel Cooper, origami, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 1100 Mass., through May 27.

May

May 1: Lawrence High School Black Box Theater performance, 7:30 p.m., 1901 La., also May 2.

¢ Opening exhibits at Lawrence Public Library: “The Beauty of Wholeness, Flowers in Spring: Oil Paintings,” by Donna Dennis, and the Women’s Transitional Care Services art show, 707 Vt., through May 31.

¢ New Dance, 7:30 p.m., Elizabeth Sherbon Theatre, $2. Also May 2.

¢ “Movin’ Out,” 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $49, 864-2787.

May 2: Artist reception: “Water,” 7 p.m.-10 p.m., 6 Gallery, 716 1/2 Mass., 856-6480.

¢ Helianthus Contemporary Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free.

¢ Live music: Three Bean Salad, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

May 3: May Music Festival, Prairie Moon School, 1853 E. 1600 Road, 841-8800 or www.prairiemoon.org.

May 4: Art Department Student Scholarship Exhibition, KU Art & Design Gallery, through May 9.

May 5: KU Flute Choir, 7:30 p.m., Swarthout Recital Hall, free admission.

May 6: Bales Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, free.

¢ University Band, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 adults/$5 students and seniors, 864-2787.

May 7: Living with the Land book discussion group: “Spartina,” by John Casey, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

¢ Jazz Ensembles I, II & III, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, free.

May 9: Live music: Tyler Clements, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

May 16: Reception: “Short Stories,” by Dave Loewenstein, and “Unsung,” various artists, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., 843-2787.

¢ Dance Gala 2008, 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $5.50 adults/$3.50 students and seniors, 843-2787, also 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 17.

May 17: Senior BFA Show- Ceramics, Metals & Textiles, KU Art & Design Gallery, through May 21, with reception May 18 following commencement.

May 20: Gallery talk: “Short Stories,” by Dave Loewenstein, 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., 843-2787.

May 21: Living with the Land book discussion group: “The Good Earth,” by Pearl Buck, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

May 23: Live music: The Planning Stages, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., free.

May 27: Gallery talk: “Unsung” artists, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., 843-2787.

May 28: 2008 Local Artist Series: Wayne Rhodus, nature photography, and Jo Morgan, bronze equine sculpture, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 1100 Mass., through June 24.

¢ Last Wednesday Book Club, “Gilead,” by Marilynne Robinson, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

May 31: Exhibit: Kathleen Anderson, paintings, Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., through June 29, 843-7469.

For more events and event updates, go to www.ljworld.com/events/

Spencer Museum of Art exhibitions in spring 2008

El Lissitzky: Futurist Portfolios

February 2 May 18, 2008 / South Balcony

Organized by The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. www.phillipscollection.org/.

The influential Russian abstract painter, designer, teacher and graphic artist, El (Lazar) Morduchovitch Lissitzky (1890-1941) was the first of his generation to visualize a new radical geometry of space and movement that blurred the boundaries of architecture, painting, and typography.

This exhibition features two complete sets of El Lissitzky’s futuristic portfolios commissioned by the Kestner Society in 1923, 20 prints in all. His Proun (the Latin acronym for “design for the confirmation of the new”) portfolio was intended as a prototype for future mechanical and architectural designs while Victory over the Sun commemorates Kasimir Malevich’s 1913 futurist opera of the same name. Among the greatest achievements in the graphic arts of the 20th century, these portfolios served to establish Lissitzky’s reputation as a master of modern design.

Between 1923 and 1928, El Lissitzky transformed his Prouns into a three dimensional experience, building so-called “abstract rooms.” Lissitzky’s visionary designs for wall-sized abstractions will inspire the design and installation of a Proun room at each venue of the exhibition. Thanks to the careful study and interpretation of contemporary artist Hideyo Okamura, who will paint and construct his designs on site, visitors will be able to experience the gravity-defying sensation of El Lissitzky’s geometric shapes and linear vectors wrapping around corners and launching to the ceiling.

Reframing Society: Russian Constructivist Photography

February 2 May 18, 2008 / North Balcony

Following the aftermath of the October Revolution of 1917, Constructivism emerged from within the Russian avant-garde both as an artistic practice and as a term expressing a belief in the birth of a new relationship between the artist and society. In their formally innovative photographs incorporating high or low vantage points, oblique angles, and dramatic diagonal compositions Alexander Rodchenko, Boris Ignatovich, and Georgy Zelma strove to revolutionize their countryman’s visual thinking. These photographers managed to capture through their lenses a changing way of life in the post-revolutionary era. This exhibition of photographs, selected from the Spencer’s permanent collection, seeks to explore how the Constructivist movement-armed with the mission of reinventing Russian society-successfully created images that were strongly rooted in design while reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Soviet life.

This exhibition is organized by Spencer Museum of Art Photography Intern Ellen Raimond in conjunction with the exhibition www.spencerart.ku.edu/exhibitions/lissitzky.shtml.

Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s

March 1 May 18, 2008 / Kress Gallery

Resounding Spirit traces the pioneering use of abstract art by Japanese artists from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a period characterized by innovation and a growing awareness of international currents in the art world. Abstract painting-one of the most significant artistic movements of the 20th century-was a worldwide phenomenon. Following the end of the U.S. occupation of Japan in 1952, Japanese artists once again became avid participants in avant-garde movements around the world, oftentimes creating uniquely Japanese manifestations. Groups of young artists such as Gutai (Japanese for “embodiment”) not only flouted previously held notions of art, but transgressed conventional ideas of practice. For instance, the Gutai artist Shiraga Kazuo completely abandoned the brush, producing painting using only his bare hands and feet. Ideas closely associated with abstract expressionism practiced by New York artists like de Kooning and Pollock inspired a rethinking of traditional calligraphy which engendered the gestural, illegible paintings known as “abstracted calligraphy.”

This exhibition features more than 50 paintings and works on paper by Japanese artists, including internationally respected members of Gutai; New-York based artists such as Kenzo Okada, known for his subdued tones and drifting forms; and representative artwork from other well-known international movements such as Art informel, Fluxus, Op, and Pop art. To complement the exhibition, the Spencer will install in its Asia Gallery a variety of postwar Japanese prints and ceramics, and the Central Court will feature Western art selections from the controversial 1960s, all drawn from the Spencer’s collection. Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s was organized by The Gibson Gallery (Collection), SUNY Potsdam, New York. Kris Ercums, SMA Curator of Asian Art, is coordinating Resounding Spirit for the Spencer, and organizing the complementary Asia Gallery exhibition. Lara Kuykendall, European and American Art intern, is organizing the display in the Central Court.

Make a Mark: Art of the 1960s

March 1 May 18, 2008 / Central Court

Drawn from the Spencer’s permanent collection, Make a Mark: Art of the 1960s shows the many approaches to color, form, gesture, and layering that occupied artists in this pivotal decade. All of these artistic traits owe a debt to earlier 20th-century modernism, from Kandinsky’s vibrant abstractions to Picasso’s collages and Jackson Pollock’s dripping. Artists like Grace Hartigan and Sam Francis continued to allow the spontaneous process introduced earlier in the century to influence their colorful results. Yet, during the 1960s the modernist tendencies toward personal expression and originality were often called into question as the skepticism of postmodernism began to ferment. Op artists like Richard Anuszkiewicz and Jesðs Rafael Soto carefully calculated their compositions to prompt disorientating visual and spatial experiences for the viewer, while Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and others strove for coolness and objectivity in their techniques and forms. However, even when the process of mark-making is reduced to impersonal painted stripes or abstract layering of colors to form a screen-printed portrait, the conceptual presence of the creator still registers. Whether working in Op, Pop, Minimalist or Expressionist modes, 1960s artists continued to “make marks” in their art and in culture at large that have resonated ever since.

This exhibition is organized by Spencer Museum of Art European and American Art Intern Lara Kuykendall in conjunction with the exhibition Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s.

Re-imagined: Memory and Nostalgia in Postwar Japanese Art

March 1 May 18, 2008 / Asia Gallery

This Spencer-organized exhibition pulls together objects from the collection that will complement and contribute to the ideas expressed in the traveling exhibition Resounding Spirit: Japanese Contemporary Art of the 1960s, which traces the pioneering use of abstract art by Japanese artists from the late1950s to early 1970s.

Betty Austin Hensley’s Flutes of the World

April 5 May 25, 2008 / Central Court

At 2 PM Sunday, April 20, Betty Austin Hensley will perform “Flutesong on the Kansas Prairie” in the Spencer Museum of Art’s Central Court. She will play the work on concert flute and on several instruments from her collection, Flutes of the World. Betty Austin Hensley’s Flutes of the World comprises a wide variety of wind instruments from several different countries. A reception will follow the performance.

In conjunction with the performance, a selection of Mrs. Hensley’s flutes that are now in the collection of the Spencer Museum of Art will be on display in the Central Court. Mrs. Hensley began playing the flute when she was in grade school in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and is now a teacher, performer and collector of flutes in Wichita, Kansas. Over the years, Mrs. Hensley has collected more than 400 flutes from more than 80 different world cultures. In addition to collecting flutes from all over the world, Mrs. Hensley has also learned how to play traditional songs on the many diverse instruments in her collection.

KU Department of Music & Dance Spring ’08 Student Recitals

Admission is free to all senior recitals.

January

Jan. 24th: Ben Baer, bassoon, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Jan. 25th: Christen Elser, baritone, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Jan. 26th: Julie Wilder, tuba, 4:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Jan. 29th: Melissa Robinson, horn, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Jan. 30th: Eun Ju Kim, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

February

Feb. 19th: Johnson Machado, clarinet, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Feb. 22nd: Travis N. Hendra, tuba, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Feb. 24th: Eric Posner, conducting, 3:00 pm Lawrence Arts Center

Feb. 24th: Crystal Alexander, saxophone, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

March

Mar. 13th: Boh Mihn, piano, 4:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Mar. 13th: Bailey Vazquez, oboe, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Mar. 25th: T. Adam Blackstock, percussion Lecture/Recital, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Mar. 27th: Emily Seifert, trumpet, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Mar. 28th: Alyssa Boone, flute, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Mar. 30th: Tammy Wolkenfeld, flute, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

April

Apr. 2nd: William Munoz-Aponte, trumpet, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 6th: Zachary Turner, piano, 2:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 6th: Nina Murphy, mezzo-soprano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 7th: Kezia Schrag, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 13th: Paul Szpyrka, composition, 2:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 16th: Lauren Henderson, mezzo-soprano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 17th: Rebecca Streeter, cello, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 18th: Bradley Petzold, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 19th: Larkin Sanders, clarinet & Lauren Kerrick, horn, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 20th: Bryce Ingmire, piano, 2:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 20th: David Price, tenor, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 23rd: Paulo Oliveira, piano, 4:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 26th: Emily Rogers, soprano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 27th: Jackie Kelley, soprano and Christopher Trepinski, baritone, 2:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 27th: Nick Weiser, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 28th: Rachel Wilder, piano, 4:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

Apr. 29th: Paul Szpyrka, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

May

May 3rd: Russell Ronnebaum, piano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

May 4th: Amy Cahill, soprano, 2:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

May 6th: Ashley Benes, soprano, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall

May 7th: Matthew Allison, flute, 7:30 pm Swarthout Recital Hall