The city of Lawrence and the University have worked together on many ventures for over 150 years, but it has taken that long for both to consider collaborating on an artistic project.
The city commission voted Tuesday in favor of the Spencer Museum of Art’s request to put a museum-commissioned mural on the north side of the parking garage at 9th and New Hampshire streets. The museum has commissioned local artist Dave Loewenstein to create the mural in conjunction with one the museum’s fall exhibitions that will showcase the works of Topeka native Aaron Douglas, who played a major role in the Harlem Renaissance. Carolyn Chinn-Lewis, assistant director of the museum and the head of the mural committee, wants to bring attention to the reputable yet unfamiliar work of Douglas.
“We want the mural to be seen by many people and to bring attention to the city and Kansas,” Chinn-Lewis said. “That is why we would like the mural to be painted in downtown Lawrence.”
Loewenstein, who happens to be a member of the Lawrence Arts Commission as well, said he was flattered to be chosen to paint the mural. He said Douglas was one of his role models and deserved to be in the same limelight as other Harlem Renaissance virtuosos from Kansas, such as Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks. Loewenstein said the proposed work between the city and the museum was mutually beneficial because of the exposure a downtown mural could get.
“It’s exciting to see the Spencer reaching out to the community to do a project off-site,” he said. “It’s a new partnership between the University and the town and the museum and the greater arts community.”
Loewenstein said he planned to create the mural with a handpicked team, but hopes to involve KU students, area youth and Lawrence residents. He emphasized the idea of public art as a medium that everyone in the community can take part in. Loewenstein said he was looking forward to working with his team.
“Because it’s public art, I think it’s good to get other people’s ideas,” he said.
Commissioner Dennis “Boog” Highberger was a vocal proponent of the proposed mural during the meeting and was the only commissioner to comment on the museum’s request. The commissioner said he was excited for the process to begin and hoped the city and museum’s plans could come to fruition.
“I think the idea of this mural is a great one,” Highberger said. “It would be another achievement of the city and the University.”
This summer, Loewenstein will work with his team to create a design for the Douglas mural. The team gives the Lawrence Arts Commission the completed draft and commission members vote on the design, but do not get the final say. If the team's work gets accepted, the commission makes a recommendation to the city commission members, who then vote on the design.