The Lawrence Vanguard Awards honor youth achievement in the visual arts during the USD497 Art Exhibition. These juried awards are focused on identifying remarkable talent, skill, and originality in young visual artists in Lawrence Public Schools.

Vanguard Award:  A prize of $1200 is awarded to each of the top 2D and top 3D high school artists included in the USD 497 show, whose work demonstrates the highest overall quality, originality, and skill. The prize intended to support the student’s continued study in the visual arts.

Trailblazer Award: A prize of $600 is awarded to a 2D and 3D student whose work is of high quality and demonstrates an exceptional level of experimentation, innovation, and skill.  The prize is intended to support the student’s continued study in the visual arts. 

Catalyst Award: A prize of $150 is awarded to the USD 497 instructors of the winning students.  Prize money is intended to support the teacher’s continued pursuit of excellence in the classroom and studio practice. 

Vanguard Emerging Artist Awards: A free visual art class is awarded to one student in each grade K-8 for work that is high quality and that demonstrates an exceptional level of experimentation, innovation, and skill.  The prize is intended to support the student’s continued study in visual art. The teacher of winning students also receive a free class at the Lawrence Arts Center.

Winners will receive their awards at a public ceremony at the Lawrence Arts Center during Final Friday on Friday, April 26, 6:15pm.