photo by: Courtest of Lawrence Arts Center

Lawrence artist Javy Ortiz

A local artist working on a public art display about Lawrence’s old La Yarda community will hold a feedback session about the project.

The Lawrence Public Library will host an event on March 26 where Javy Ortiz, a Mexican-born Lawrence artist, will present an update on the project that will commemorate La Yarda, a housing unit created by the Santa Fe Railroad to house Mexican-American workers from 1920-51.

The murals will be installed on the Lawrence Loop trail system at the intersection of Eighth and Delaware streets later this fall — a few blocks from where La Yarda existed. Last year, the Lawrence Arts Center had a special exhibit about the housing development as the Journal-World reported.

photo by: Courtesy of the Lawrence Arts Center

A sample illustration of Javy Ortiz’s artwork

The event will be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project, hear from Ortiz and share feedback, something which has been an important part of the project, according to a press release.

The mural project is organized by the Lawrence Arts Center and made possible by funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of LiveWell Douglas County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant. Historical signage to accompany the artwork will be funded separately by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program.

The event will take place on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library, located at 707 Vermont St.