photo by: Nick Gerik

The new Explore Lawrence Visitor Center, scheduled to open Monday, is planning to have monthly displays by local artists. The visitor center, at 812 Massachusetts St.,

The new Explore Lawrence Visitor Center, scheduled to open Monday, is planning to have monthly displays by local artists.

The visitor center, at 812 Massachusetts St., plans to use its wall space to display art. It has put out a call to local artists to consider having their work included, said Victoria Cleary, director of visitor services with Explore Lawrence.

The changing displays will open on the last Friday of each month and run until a week before the last Friday of the next month, in conjunction with Lawrence’s Final Fridays art events. The goal is to have the first artist’s exhibition up for August’s Final Friday event.

Explore Lawrence is looking for work that is aesthetically strong and that provides an opportunity to explore topics of cultural, artistic and social relevance, according to a news release from Lawrence’s Cultural Arts Commission.

Several individuals from the local arts community will serve as a selection committee to decide on the artwork for the month. The goal is to have 12 changing exhibits throughout the year, said Cleary, with each artist being assigned a particular month.

Because of space limitations, the center will accept only art on a flat surface, which would include paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and collages.

Submissions will be accepted year round. Interested artists should contact Victoria Cleary at vcleary@explorelawrence.com or 785-856-3040.