Second Campus Art Walk to expand creative view of KU


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LAWRENCE — Those looking for a relaxing and creative end to the week may want to pay the University of Kansas campus a visit.

Several university partners are collaborating to host the second annual KU Campus Art Walk from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. The Campus Art Walk is designed to allow people to explore a variety of creative works, including 2D, 3D and digital art, dance and musical performances by KU students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as local and international artists.

Courtney Foat, graphic designer with KU Libraries, says she hopes the walk will provide students and visitors with a richer view of the creative opportunities and resources available throughout the university.

"By highlighting the diverse range of art being produced or exhibited on campus – much of it created by our students – we hope to increase awareness of the meaningful ways in which viewers can create or engage with art," she said. "As the university seeks to inspire new types of perception and expression, the art walk exemplifies the value this creative exploration brings to individuals, society and intellectual advancement as a whole."

At 1:30 p.m., guests are invited to the lawn of Dyche Hall for a kickoff discussion, "The Natural History Museum, Intellectual Cornerstone of KU." Ted Johnson, professor emeritus of French and Italian, will lead a conversation about the thoughtful and playful sculptures on the façade of the 1902 building, a beautiful structure which invites viewers to explore the whole enterprise of a university.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can stroll through campus on a self-guided tour of 12 participating art walk locations. Artists will be on hand to discuss their work, perform, share demonstrations or even screen-print T-shirts. Guests can take part in collaborative art assemblages and digital "wall drawings," and build a personal yarn string from segments tied on at each site. Featured art walk locations include Anschutz Library, the Art and Design Building, Dyche Hall, the Kansas Union, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, Lippincott Hall, Spencer Museum of Art, Stauffer-Flint Hall, Strong Hall, Watson Library and Wescoe Hall.

At 5 p.m., all are invited to the Kansas Union for the culminating event, "Celebration: Wrap, Tap, Snap!" To a pulsing performance by KU's African Drum Ensemble, attendees can contribute their yarn string in the ceremonial yarn-storming of the outdoor Jayhawk sculpture, pose with friends for commemorative snapshots in the art walk photo booth and peruse flash exhibits by local galleries. All are then encouraged to transition to downtown Lawrence and the Warehouse Arts District for Final Fridays events, which will feature an exhibit by KU students and mini-discussions by KU faculty.

"Continuing to cultivate these direct collaborations between campus and local galleries can better integrate our complementary arts communities and maximize overall awareness and appreciation of the cultural enrichment we bring to Lawrence," Foat said.

For complete Campus Art Walk details and a printable map of participating sites, visit here. For additional details about Final Fridays events, visit here.

 

Wed, 09/26/2012

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Mike Krings

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