Art adds that something extra to your home. Beautiful pieces showcase your personal style, are a great conversation starter, and create vibrance and mood for a room. Three galleries in Lawrence - Art Love Collective, Phoenix Gallery, and Cider Gallery – can help you discover your art style and select the perfect piece for your décor.
Cider Gallery
In May, the Cider Gallery marked its 10th anniversary in a building at least 140 years old. Executive director Jennifer Burkhead says style is a fitting term for the gallery.
"First, our curator, Jeromy Morris, is infinitely talented in recruiting artists and curating the shows," she says. "Second, the style of the building lends itself to many different types of art shows and private events."
To view the artwork on exhibit requires an appointment for a tour, though the gallery is open to the public on Final Fridays, a monthly art exhibition on the last Friday of the month, open to the public every Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. The pieces are also available on the gallery's website.
Art Love Collective
The newest gallery in town, Art Love, is a vibrant space full of colorful art. Co-founder Hollie Blakeney says they opened the space because they saw a gap in the art scene in Lawrence.
"There are many, many artists, but there was no space focused solely on local artists," she said. "Art Love is a gallery space where local artists can sell their work. We also have art studios, professional development courses for artists, and help artists develop and market classes they teach onsite."
The artwork in the gallery ranges from stickers for a couple of dollars to sculptures worth thousands. Ninety percent of the price goes directly to the artist.
Phoenix Gallery
In the 1990s, the Phoenix Galley began as a co-op for artists who wanted to collaborate on a space to display and sell art. Over time, it moved to local, private ownership. Like Cider Gallery, Phoenix also launches a new exhibit on each Final Friday featured for the following month.
"We love artists," says Rochelle Marsh, gallery director. "Every day, we are amazed by the skill and creativity they exhibit, and it is a great privilege that we can bring our artists and customers together."