The Lawrence Arts Center is thrilled to announce three new exhibitions opening this Friday, August 7: Jars, featuring ceramics by twelve artists, Barry Fitzgerald’s Half & Half, and Still Learning, a highly anticipated solo show featuring unseen work by Lawrence treasure Norman Gee. The opening reception will take place Friday, August 7 from 5-7pm and the exhibitions will remain open through September 5.
Norman Gee | Still Learning
For the last two decades, Gee has kept his artwork in his studio, only for the eyes of close friends and family. Gee’s large-scale paintings are inspired by traditional Chinese patterns, landscapes, and abstractions. At 86, he is still here, and still learning.
“I am thrilled to be part of presenting Norman’s work at the Arts Center. Over a year ago, I took a chance and extended an invitation to an artist who had no interest in showing his work publicly. Through what has blossomed into a treasured friendship, Norman gained the encouragement and confidence he needed to motivate him to share his work with the world again.”
– Blanca Herrada, Lawrence Arts Center Interim Exhibitions Director
In 1969, Norman moved to Lawrence, Kansas, from Oakland, California to teach painting at the University of Kansas. After his 30-year tenure of inspiring art students, Norman retired and withdrew into home life and studio practice. Despite not publicly showing his work, Norman has continued to paint and hone his craft–an eternal pupil to his artistic sensibilities. This fall, Norman is coming out of retirement to share his new works with the world in the large gallery of the Lawrence Arts Center.
Barry Fitzgerald | Half & Half
Barry Fitzgerald is a multi-disciplinary illustrator and artist who explores the compositional relationships between geometry, organic forms, and the design fundamentals of shape, line, texture, and pattern through playful illustrations.
Jars | Group Exhibition
The jar form has been a staple in ceramic art for thousands of years. These forms can simultaneously decorate a space and serve a utilitarian purpose. This exhibition will feature jars by artists: Rachel Akin, Larry Buller, Adria Chilcote, Maeve Hilgers, Huey Lee, Carol Long, Ed Noonen, Naomi Peterson, Sam Sequeira, Adelai Spears-Kennard, Kyla Strid, and Nick Weddell.
Stop by and meet artists, experience their work, and socialize with your community this Friday evening!
