We’re counting down the top five stories on various topics today as part of an annual recap of the top stories of the year we’ll do later this month. Join the conversation by letting us know what we missed or what stories you think are important by posting a comment, below.

5. New art galleries abound
After 2006 ushered in a variety of art gallery closings, 2008 saw a rebirth in the Lawrence scene with DotDotDot Art Space, The Lawrence Percolator and Wonderfair Art Gallery & How! Additionally, Kansas University’s School of Fine Arts opened the Red Door Art Gallery in the popular Crossroads District of Kansas City, Mo.

4. New LAC director takes helm
After an 11-month search, Topekan David Leamon was selected as the new executive director of the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. This marked the first new person at the position since Ann Evans retired last year after a 33-year tenure.

3. ‘The Only Good Indian’ heads to Sundance
A drama focusing on a dark part of Haskell Indian Nations University’s past was selected from more than 9,000 entries to be included in the Sundance Film Festival. The picture (which stars American Indian actor Wes Studi) is directed by Kansas University associate professor Kevin Willmott and Lawrence writer Tom Carmody.

2. ‘Earthwork’ film production to chronicle remarkable experiences of Lawrence artist
A multimillion dollar feature film written and directed by Lawrence’s Chris Ordal chronicled the experiences of local crop artist Stan Herd and a New York City project he created in the early 1990s. The film was shot primarily in Lawrence this summer.

1. Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival leaving Lawrence for Arkansas
After a five-year run in Lawrence, the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival announced in December it would be vacating its home at Clinton Lake State Park for a new site in northwest Arkansas.