photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

Van Go students unveil their five unique picnic tables at an event May 13, 2026.

The student artists who have been a part of Van Go’s program have painted murals “on a lot of walls over the years,” according to Rick Wright, but they hadn’t done anything like this most recent project.

Wright, the art director for the Lawrence arts-based social services nonprofit, said the 19 teenagers who were a part of Van Go’s JAMS program created five custom picnic tables, each featuring different themes that make Lawrence special.

The five tables were designed to welcome international guests and locals alike ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tables were hand-painted and included mosaic tiling that mirror the design of the official soccer ball of the World Cup. The five themes highlighted in each design include local history, sports and school spirit, arts in Lawrence, the diversity and culture in the city and the surrounding natural beauty.

Lori McSorley, the executive director of Van Go, said these picnic tables were a “beautiful representation of Lawrence” that will be spotlighted on the global stage.

The 19 artists did everything from designing to finishing the tables throughout the eight-week spring session, with Wright saying they began painting the top of the tables after spring break in March. Wright said one of the more challenging parts of this project compared to a mural is that these tables are “meant to be experienced,” and he noted the picnic tables will be “regularly utilized during June and July” by certain international guests — heavily implying the tables will be used by the Algerian National Team that will use Lawrence as a base camp during the tournament.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

Rick Wright, the art director at Van Go, speaks Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the unveiling of picnic tables painted by this year’s JAMS program.

Rebecca Clark, one of the artists who worked on the project, said that being a part of Van Go helped her grow as an artist and a person, and she really enjoyed “being part of something bigger than myself.”

Gia Hayes, another of the artists, said that she had heard about the program for years but felt too anxious to apply. Working with Van Go helped her step out of her comfort zone, and the experience “taught her to not be afraid” of what comes next in life.

Although Wright said the organization couldn’t disclose all the details about where the tables will be placed in the summer, McSorely said the tables will eventually be auctioned off as a fundraiser in late July and the fall.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

Van Go students stand behind one of their picnic tables. The theme of this design was about sports in Lawrence and school spirit.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

One of the five picnic tables created by Van Go students and unveiled Wednesday, May 13, 2026, was about celebrating diversity and culture in Lawrence.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

One of the five picnic tables created by Van Go students and unveiled Wednesday May 13, 2026, depicts some of the natural beauty around Lawrence.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

One of the five picnic tables created by Van Go students and unveiled Wednesday, May 13, 2026, references some of the history of Lawrence, like Quantrill’s Raid.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

A close up of one of the tables unveiled during Van Go’s ceremony on May 13, 2026 shows mosaic tiling that was used in all five designs.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

One of the five picnic tables created by Van Go students is displayed on Wednesday May 13, 2026. This design celebrates the arts in Lawrence.