June/July 2025 Newsletter
Art (L to R) by members Kathleen Hayward, Carlos Garcia and Dorrie Sullivan
Our June, 2025 meeting and celebration of our Guild leaders. You may have seen the press release (below) in one of the Lawrence newspapers!
Our June Meeting Brings New Officers to the Art Guild
Two-year volunteer leadership positions that lasted over eight years: Maria Martin and Kathleen Hayward step down from the Lawrence Art Guild
Lawrence Art Guild (LAG) President Maria Martin has stepped down after eight years in this leadership position. Martin, an abstract artist and active member of the Lawrence arts community, stepped up at the request of then-President Linda Baranski to help with the reorganization of the guild in 2016. It was Martin’s coordination of the first Indian Arts exhibit at the KU Museum of Anthropology and her entrepreneurial skills in running the gallery and gift shop, Southwest & More, that inspired Baranski. Martin became president in 2018.
Outgoing Guild President, Maria S. Martin
During her leadership, the Guild has increased membership and doubled its market presence, through sponsorship and grant funding of events such as Art in the Park; Art Spaces; two all-member exhibits a year, artist mentorship, and workshops. LAG helped Art in the Park receive the Best Event award multiple years from Lawrence Magazine’s Best of Lawrence. Martin will continue to support the LAG through marketing and fundraising.
“I have loved every bit of my role. I know that we need to keep growing and encourage more artists to take on responsibilities. We are a volunteer organization. It’s time to let other talented artists help the organization thrive,” Martin quipped.
In addition, long-time volunteer Kathleen Hayward is stepping down. She joined LAG in 1994, serving as Treasurer at 1109 Gallery until its close. She also served as Vice President from 2016-2018 and then took on the role of Treasurer and membership chair. Hayward, a former industrial and then forensic photographer, now creates whimsical wind chimes and mobiles using antique and/or discarded materials.
“I’ve been involved in the art community for over 40 years. I have had the opportunity to work with so many artists in this role, and that truly makes volunteering a joy,” Hayward explained.
Incoming Guild President, Janet Lynn Zuk
Janet Lynn Zuk, nominated as President, took on her role on July 1, 2025. Zuk has been a member of the Lawrence Art Guild since 2019. She signed up to be a member of the Board in her very first meeting. For the past 2 years, she has served as Vice President. Zuk graduated with a degree in Art from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and has worked as a full-time artist while working as a banker for nearly twenty years.
“The Guild has a strong foundation to build from. I hope to attract more members and encourage people who may normally take a step back from volunteering to find a place in the organization. Our goal is to make this the premier arts organization in Lawrence.”
Joining the organization as Treasurer is Chris North, who returned to Lawrence after 21 years in Portland, OR. She had a graphic design firm in Lawrence before moving to Portland. Now her talents are focused on sculptural ceramics.
Art Guild Secretary, Gil Ortiz
Gil Ortiz will continue in the role of Secretary. Ortiz went to art school in Denver, CO, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in visual communications. He is an abstract painter and freelance graphic designer.
The Lawrence Art Guild Association is a 501c3, and our mission is defined in our articles of incorporation as a not-for-profit in Kansas. Our focus is to promote community interest in the arts, art groups, artists, and art events, including all-member shows and Art in the Park, which is scheduled for September 13-14, 2025, at South Park on Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS.
Monthly Meeting
There is NO Art Guild meeting in July - but we will be back at it in August, and we meet each month at Art Emergency for its general meeting. Members and the public are invited to attend, so mark your calendar and join us! Meetings are from 6PM - 8PM:
July: No Meeting | August 18 | September 29 – NEW DATE because of Art Shows | October 20 | November 17 | December: No Meeting
Charge What?
Pricing Strategies for Artists
Please join us for a special event for
Lawrence Art Guild Members Only
Kansas City based artist Chris Dahlquist will lead an interactive
1 ½ hour workshop on pricing artwork or creative services. Participants will leave with materials to continue the work with one another. While we originally capped the number of members that can attend - this is now open to as many as would like to attend.
We will be ordering Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza, Vegetarian Gluten Free Pizza. Water and other soft drinks will be available for all.
The Talk is Free. There is a $5 charge for Pizza.
Program Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
707 Vermont Street, Lawrence KS
Dinner: 5:30-6:00 PM | Talk: 6:00-7:30 PM
Please RSVP here online as soon as possible!
Deadline to register is: Friday, July 25
The 21st Annual Juried Art Show at Images Art Gallery
Join us for The 21st Annual Juried Art Show at Images Art Gallery in downtown Overland Park! This exciting exhibition showcases a diverse array of talent from local artists, celebrating creativity and expression. The opening reception will take place on Friday, July 18, from 5 PM to 8 PM, a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and snacks, and experience the vibrant art community.
Lawrence Art Guild artists include: Steve Anderson, Cindy Berry Maria S. Martin, Gil Ortiz
Images Art Gallery | 7320 W. 80th St. | Overland Park, KS
Hours: Wed-Sat. 10 am - 6 pm
Cindy Berry, Infusing Life with Color
Join Cindy Berry at Phoenix Gallery West (upstairs) on Final Friday, June 27 for the opening of her show “Infusing Life With Color”. This show will feature Cindy’s colorful resin art, including some new pieces that have never been seen before.
This show runs through July 21, and will be open during Phoenix Gallery’s regular store hours.
Opening Reception on June 27 from 5:00PM - 10:00PM; Open 10 - 7
2025 Events
All events for the year are on our website event calendar , but here’s a quick rundown of key dates for 2025:
Critique Hour | Third Saturday of the Month | 9:30 - 11
at Art Emergency
Art in the Park Exhibit | August 19 (opening reception)- September 11 | Phoenix Gallery Underground | 825 Massachusetts
Art in the Park | September 13 and 14
South Park, Lawrence, KS
Fall All Members Show | November 27 - January 24 2026
Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania
Holiday Art Fair | December 13 and 14
Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania
