Weekly roundup of the best art shows and art related events in and around the Lawrence/Kansas City area. This Friday, August 27 is the very first Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, KS.

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

• Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 27, 5-8pm

Lawrence’s first Final Fridays, a monthly celebration of the arts. Final Fridays will be presented by the Downtown Lawrence Arts District.

The gallery walk will include 15 commercial galleries as well as a number of local merchants who will take part in Final Fridays by hosting live music or displaying art. A few empty retail spaces will become “flash galleries” filled with temporary exhibits by local artists. Look for the bright yellow flags that signify a venue’s participation.

-

Art event locations and participants for this month include:

739 Massachusetts Street
Flash Space, formerly Maurices
Group show presented by B.A.L.M (ongoing through September 17 by appointment)
From the organizers:
Opening reception for b.a.l.m. TRANS•parent TRANS•lucent. This is a group show exploring the idea of translucency and transparency curated by Darin M. White. Featuring works by Leah Busch, Jon Cowan, Christina Dostaier, TR Ericsson, Matthew Farley, Tyson Gough, Rex Hausmann, Vincent Leandro, Keith Lemley, David Parker, Andy Norquist, Debra Seeger, Linnea Spransy Shannon White, and Marc Wiegand.

1109 Gallery (Lawrence Art Guild)
1109 Massachusetts
According to the 1109 Gallery Facebook page, they will have “wine and cheese, great art and fun” as well as a “use your mom’s grocery bag for a book” art making activity from 5-8pm, $3 including all materials. Not sure what this all entails, but we do like, wine, cheese, art, and fun! Lawrence Art Guild’s Member Show of over 40 members work is currently on display through August 29.

Aimee’s Café & Coffeehouse
1025 Massachusetts
Paintings by Steve Swaggert, reception presented by South Massachusetts Art Guild

photo by Jeffrey Stephens

Bourgeois Pig
6 E 9th Street
Baby Heads 02 by Wayne Propst
From the organizers:
FREE HOT DOGS!

Twisty Bracelet by Makenna Bartel

Diane’s Artisan Gallery
4 E 7th Street
From the organizers:
Trunk show of jewelry by Makenna Bartel

Eccentricities
716 Massachusetts
Paintings by David Gross, Barbara Cleary, Hooshang Khorasani, and Shelly Bedsaul.

The Eldridge Hotel
701 Massachusetts
Artists displaying in the Crystal Ballroom include Stan Herd, Clare Doveton, Zac Barnes, John Stephen Howard, Louis Copt and Donna Dennis. A trio from The Lawrence Chamber Orchestra to perform in the lobby along with specials in the Jayhawker and TEN Restaurant.

The Etc. Shop
928 Massachusetts
Frank Lloyd Wright Collection items on display and for sale

Global Cafe
820 Massachusetts
Paintings by stained-glass artist Vivian Faulkner

Hobbs Taylor Lofts
730 New Hampshire
Installation by Zaguar (Zach Hangauer), owner of Rangelife Records

Invisible Hand Gallery
801 1/2 Massachusetts
Closing reception of Mask-Portraits by Jeromy Morris

It’s About Time
816 Massachusetts
Going out of business sale, 40% off metal works for your yard and home

by Jennifer Jarnot

Lawrence Arts Center
840 New Hampshire
Stan Herd and Simon Cardova photographs (ongoing through September 26)
From the organizers:
Stan Herd will exhibit photos and materials connected with the creation of the earthwork piece, “Countryside” while Simon Cardova will show photographs of the making of the film Earthwork.
Jennifer Jarnot, Reconstructing the Paint-by-Number
From the organizers: My recent paintings take their cue from my fascination for the nostalgia of popular culture, particularly those items that were influential, i.e., the stuff of one’s childhood, toys, books, and games.

Lawrence Percolator
Alley behind LAC at 840 New Hampshire
You Can’t Scare Me, I’m a Teacher! opening reception. Featuring artwork by art teachers from USD 497.

Lawrence Public Library
707 Vermont
Paintings by Dian Hauser in the main gallery
Insect Art by Katie Van Blaricum in the entrances
Jewelery by Rachael Sudlow in the library cases
Pencil, charcoal and pastel sketches by Stephanie Barrows in the lower level
All shows are ongoing through August 30

Love Garden Sounds
822 Massachusetts
I’m OK, Art Quilts by Hannah T Johnson (ongoing through September 2)

Mirth Cafe
745 New Hampshire
Photography by Matt Needham

Pachamamas Restaurant
800 New Hampshire
Acrylic paintings by Liberty Hollis

People’s Optical
737 Massachusetts
Paintings by Marilyn Horsch

Phoenix Gallery
919 Massachusetts
Highlighting local artists represented by the gallery

Signs of Life Gallery
722 Massachusetts
Through the Artists’ Eyes: Landscape Interpreted, paintings by Rodney Troth, Elizabeth Rowley and Deb Schroer

Through A Glass Productions
1009 New Hampshire, Suite A
Screening of Cigar By Car by local filmmaker Marlo Angell.
From the organizers: The sleepy day of a cigar attendant is disrupted when he follows a young shoplifter through a mystical cow pasture.  When the cows break free of the fence that binds them, Genius Grass finds the spirit to reclaim his youth and wake up to life.

Van Go Mobile Arts
Flash Space, formerly Arensburgs Shoe Store at 825 Massachusetts
Live mural painting from 5-8pm by students and teachers from Van Go

WheatFields Bakery and Café
904 Vermont
Paintings by Barbara Reid

White Chocolate Skateboards & More
933 Massachusetts
Photography by J. C. Cirese (ongoing through August 30)

by Sighn

Wonder Fair Art Gallery
803 1/2 Massachusetts
No One Knows How Deep This Goes, featuring the work of Sighn (Matthew Hoffman), text-based object installation

Update: New Art Space Opens Its Doors
Quintessential Gallery
512 East 9th Street, Lawrence, Kansas
“Quintessential Gallery” opens its doors for the first time to help ring in the inaugural Final Friday event in Lawrence, Kansas.  Founded August 1, 2010, Quintessential Gallery will be showcasing work by the gallery’s founding artists and Fresh Produce Art Collective members. Traditional and new, the works included are an eclectic mix of mediums from fabric, paint, photography and more.

Exhibiting Artists:
Brent Teufel – Bobbie Powell – Erok Johanssen – Leo Hayden – Rachel Herring –
Fresh Produce Art Collective
Exhibition curator(s):   Leo Hayden, Erok Johanssen and Bobbi Powell

Quintessential Gallery is comprised of five local artists who believe in sharing art with the community.  Located in a shared space with Anam Cara – A Healing Resource Center, Quintessential Gallery is devoted to the continuing creation and exhibition of new work.

posted by: Scott Stewart

Weekly roundup of the best art shows and art related events in and around the Lawrence/Kansas City area. August 27 will be the very first Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, look for a more detailed post about all of the art events associated with Final Fridays next week.

FRIDAY AUGUST 20

Voler Aerial Artists

• Lawrence Busker Festival
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 20, 12-9pm (Ongoing until August 22nd)
Street performers will invade downtown Lawrence to delight young and old throughout the weekend. Performances include fire dancing, juggling, sword swallowing, magic, aerial dance, fire eating, music, acrobatics, hula hoop dance, belly dance, living statues, puppets, chalk art, face painting, and balloon art. www.lawrencebuskerfest.com

“Who Created Yo Ass?” Brass, Aluminum, and Rhinestones by Dylan Mortimer

• Peace Be With Yo Asses
KU Art and Design Gallery (1467 Jayhawk Boulevard in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 20, All Day (Ongoing through September 10)
From the organizers: A collection of Dylan Mortimer’s work from the last 3 years. Dylan’s work explores how private faith functions in the public sphere. It investigates the role of private faith outside of the self. www.dylanmortimer.com

-

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

• Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 27, 5-8pm

From the organizers:
Lawrence’s first Final Fridays, a monthly celebration of the arts. Final Fridays will be presented by the Downtown Lawrence Arts District.

The gallery walk will include 15 commercial galleries as well as a number of local merchants who will take part in Final Fridays by hosting live music or displaying art. A few empty retail spaces will become “flash galleries” filled with temporary exhibits by local artists.

Art event locations and participants include:
Peoples Optical (Marilyn Horsch, paintings)
Love Garden Sounds (Hannah T. Johnson, art quilts)
WheatFields Bakery and Café
Teller’s Restaurant and Bar
Pachamamas Restaurant
Mirth Cafe
Global Cafe
The Eldridge Hotel
Aimee’s Café
715 Restaurant
Van Go Mobile Arts
Through A Glass Productions
Signs of Life Gallery (Rodney Troth, Elizabeth Rowley and Deb Schroer, landscapes)
Phoenix Gallery
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Percolator
Lawrence Arts Center (Stan Herd and Simon Cardova, photography)
Framewoods Gallery
Diane’s Artisan Gallery (Makenna Bartel, jewlery)
Wonder Fair Art Gallery and How! (Matthew Hoffman, text-based object installation)
739 Massachusetts Street – Flash Space, formerly Maurices (Group show presented by B.A.L.M)

Much more information about Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence to come!

posted by: Scott Stewart

Wayne Propst strikes a pose with his portrait at the Wonder Fair

Last Saturday The Rathaus stopped by Wonder Fair’s first anniversary show “Thumbs to the Heavens.” We brought back these photos for an online view of the show which runs through July 5th.

“Blue Drawings of Monster Heads” by Matt Furie

“Drop City House” by Christa Dalien

“Leek” by Mel Kadel

“Ride On” by Mel Kadel

“Cookie” by Travis Millard

photos by: Sara Rock
posted by: Harold Johns III

The Shooting Gallery is proud to present Isabel Samaras new works “Into The Woodz.” Samaras rewrites a classic child’s fairy tale in this collection of oil paintings. Magical realism, and the forbidden fantasies of fabled characters present a world where elusive desires become reality.

Through “Into The Woodz” Samaras re-imagines the traditional fable of Goldilocks and The Three Bears into a modern day romance. In one painting titled “Honey Dripper” Samaras riffs on the French Neoclassical Ingres’ Turkish painting called “The Bather of Valpincon,” depicting apple-cheeked Goldy at a wooded hot springs with the three bears. Goldy has taken on a different look, sexier and a bit more trendy, with an elaborate back tattoo of a huge bee hive with an arrow through it. The distant background the Woodland Fabulous forest is inhabited by blinged-out critters. Some include a porcupine with “love/hate” knuckle rings and a big black-power afro-pick stuck in his quills; a European red squirrel sporting a dookie chain with a huge gold acorn on it; and a boom box jammed up in a tree with a flock of mocking birds sitting on it having a “rap war.” This story tells of a girl who didn’t trade her identity in for a tiara, but she found true love (and love conquers all, even inter-species romance!).

details of the new paitings found on Samaras’ blog

Samaras’ work is a form of visual story telling – witty, mysterious, and tender. Her painted narratives, classical in technique and pop in content, revolve around issues of secret love, unrequited lust and making things end the way we wish they would. While some paintings are reminiscent of formal Renaissance portraiture, others set in the woods are a bit more intuitive. The oil painted wood panels are lush with bold and sexy colors are complimented by a series of pencil drawings dashed with gold watercolor and framed in vintage “black forest” style wooden frames. Comparing her work to postmodern painting, one critic writes, “Samaras has created a truly populist art.

Familiar to a broad audience through publications like Juxtapoz and International Tattoo Art magazines, Samaras’ work has also been featured in the books “Vicious, Delicious & Ambitious: 20th Century Women Artists,” “Pop Surrealism: The Rise of Underground Art,” and “Weirdo Deluxe: The Wild World of Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow Art”  and her upcoming monograph with Chronicle Books “On Tender Hooks: The Art of Isabel Samaras.”  She opened her studio to the television shows “Internet Tonight,” “SexTV,” “Ooh La La,” and the documentary films “The Lowdown on Lowbrow” and “Newbrow: Contemporary Underground Art.”

Opening Reception: May 9th 7-11pm
Showing: May 9th through June 4th
Shooting Gallery: 839 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA

posted by: Tricia Rock with text from the Shooting Gallery

This Sunday, May 3rd Wilde’s Chateau 24 (2412 Iowa in Lawrence, KS) is hosting First Sundays at the Chateau. The event begins at 6pm and includes an art opening, live art, live music, and a wine tasting. There is no cover charge to enjoy the art and music, and if you are interested in participating in the wine tasting tickets are $15 in advance (contact chateau-events@sunflower.com) or $20 at the door. Check out the list of featured artists and musicians below.

Art by:
Artstew (Scott Stewart)
b.d. eek
Ben Dory
Brian Ruggeri
JOUVELT
Julie Starks
Kurt Funke
Leo Hayden
Lindsay Erin Major
Matthew Starks
Micheal Day
Ruben Gaucin
Shiney Independent (Justin Shiney)

Music by:
WiseAcres

posted by: Tricia Rock

The Rathaus is not alone in our admiration of Travis Millard‘s art work, but we definitely feel more of a connection. You see Millard, like many of The Rathaus members, graduated from the University of Kansas which is nestled atop Mt. Oread in Lawrence, KS (it does not take much to be considered a mountain). After graduation Millard stayed in Lawrence for a bit before eventually moving to New York City in 2001. Eight years later Millard’s work can still be found on the bathroom walls of The Eight Street Taproom, on the streets of Lawrence, and in KU’s Art and Design Building. And although Millard has gone on to greater national acclaim in other cities we still show him love like he lives down the block.

This week the prodigal son is returning to Lawrence in order to participate in two awesome events. First, on Monday, April 13th from 6-9pm Millard will speak at KU’s Hallmark Design Symposium Series, where he will discuss the commercial aspects of his illustration work. The lectures are held in Wescoe Hall Room 3139 (on KU’s campus) and admission is free.

Second, on Thursday, April 16th from 6-9pm our friends over at Wonder Fair (803 Massachusetts in Lawrence, KS) are holding another Pizza Party to celebrate the release of a new “Tear Jerker” zine and exclusive screen print created by Travis Millard. For $5 you can have any t-shirt you supply screen printed by the team at Wonder Fair with art work from one of the many participating artists.

posted by: Harold Johns III