PUBLIC ART

The Lawrence Arts Center, in collaboration with LiveWell Douglas County and the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture, is pleased to announce the selection of Lawrence artist Javy Ortiz to create a long lasting original work of art to honor the Mexican American community of La Yarda, a housing unit created by the Santa Fe Railroad to house workers from 1920-51. The artwork will be installed on the Lawrence Loop trail system at the intersection of 8th and Delaware within a few blocks proximity of where the La Yarda neighborhood once stood. Community engagement will be an important part of this project and there will be publicized opportunities for community members to meet with Javy and share feedback throughout the process. 

 

This public artwork project, made possible by funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of LiveWell Douglas County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant, will recognize the contributions of the La Yarda residents and invite visitors to revisit history while engaging in the outdoor trail system. Historical signage to accompany this artwork will be funded separately by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. The steering committee comprises arts professionals familiar with the field of public art from the Lawrence Arts Center and the Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation Arts and Culture, community members from the La Yarda families, and representatives from Douglas County Live-Well, the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association and the Watkins Museum of History.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

 Javy Ortiz is a Mexican-born interdisciplinary artist residing in Lawrence, KS. As a self-taught artist, Javy works prolifically to expand his knowledge and craftsmanship while embracing an experimental approach to creating. He pulls inspiration from personal experiences, as well as pop culture and contemporary social issues. Mixing and layering mediums such as acrylics, spray paint, and epoxy resin, Javy creates compositions that explore identity and resemble the path we navigate through our daily lives. Javy’s work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions regionally and can be found in many private collections.

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To learn more about Javy, visit his website.