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| cover photo by | Steven Hertzog |
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ON THE COVER
Back Row: Alicia Kelly, Rick Wright, Stephen Johnson, Javy Ortiz, Mona Cliff, Zak Barnes
Front row: Dave Lowenstein, Roura Young
Photo by Steven Hertzog, and Thank you to Stephen Johnson for the cover photo enhancement!
Art has always been part of Lawrence’s identity, shaping how the community sees itself and how others experience our city. From the murals and installations scattered throughout Lawrence to the live performances, galleries, festivals, and creative expressions woven through neighborhoods, art enhances Lawrence in ways that go far beyond decoration. It strengthens our sense of place, deepens our shared story, and elevates the everyday environment into something more vibrant, welcoming, and human.
Aesthetically, public art transforms the familiar into the memorable. A blank wall becomes a landmark. A crosswalk becomes an invitation to pause. Sculptures, installations, and creative streetscapes give Lawrence a visual identity that reflects the city’s spirit – curious, bold, inclusive, and rooted in history while always pushing forward. These touches not only beautify our surroundings but also help define the emotional tone. They signal that Lawrence values creativity, that we celebrate imagination, and that we’re committed to fostering an environment where art is not an afterthought but a central part of public life.
Art also strengthens community connection. Shared creative spaces give residents opportunities to gather, learn, and participate. From Final Fridays to Busker Festival, from storefront displays to student exhibitions, art invites people to engage with one another and with the city itself. It creates belonging and gives voice to diverse perspectives; an especially powerful asset in a place like Lawrence, where creativity is both a cultural hallmark and a unifying community thread.
LOCAL MATTERS
Our Local Advertisers – Making a Positive Impact
Economically, the impact is just as important. Art draws people, visitors, students, entrepreneurs, and families who want to live in an energetic and expressive environment. Creative districts and cultural events increase foot traffic to local businesses, boost the economy, and grow tourism. Arts-focused investments often spark new development, transforming neglected spaces into attractions. Lawrence’s creative economy, including artists, makers, performers, galleries, venues, and festivals, supports jobs, generates revenue, and plays a significant role in the city’s economic resilience.
Moreover, art helps differentiate Lawrence in a competitive regional marketplace. Communities that embed arts and culture into their identity consistently see higher levels of economic activity, stronger downtown vitality, and increased community pride. For Lawrence, continuing to invest in public art, cultural spaces, and creative placemaking is not just a quality-of-life endeavor; it is an economic strategy that fuels growth, amplifies our distinctiveness, and ensures the city remains a compelling place to live, work, and visit.
Art makes Lawrence look like Lawrence. Just as importantly, it helps Lawrence thrive.
Please note that all our advertisers have a stake in the local economy. Whenever possible, shop locally and resist the temptation to order online. If you find something online, see if one of our local businesses has it.
When we Shop Local – Shop Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton, and Lawrence (and use Local Services) – we are supporting those businesses, giving back to our community, and building a future together.
Ann Frame Hertzog Steven Hertzog
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Chief Photographer/Publisher
