From campus to community: The connection between KU and the Lawrence Arts Center

Students at the University of Kansas can find many ways to get involved in fine arts on campus, but what about in the community?

The Lawrence Arts Center (LAC), located at 940 New Hampshire St., offers many great classes and opportunities for students and community members.

A day at the Arts Center is packed with a range of classes including dance, art, jewelry making, and more. Lawrencians also have access to free art exhibits just inside the lobby of the building.

The LAC was originally established in 1975 and has grown in popularity since, serving a wide range of families in the Lawrence area.

“We cover over 300 dance families who take classes with us, 800 enrollments every semester,” said Claire Buss, the LAC’s interim dance program director. “[It’s a] huge program and we serve a lot of the community, so that’s great.”

Though the arts center is open to everyone in Lawrence, it has a special connection with KU. Some KU students work at the arts center, and many others take weekly classes. Madi Seelye, a KU senior studying dance, is very involved with teaching at the LAC.

“At the Arts Center I teach two dance classes,” Seelye said. “I’m teaching both of my classes to the younger kids. I have some seven-year-olds in one and some eight-year-olds in another one. I also sub for some classes as well.”

Seelye also has many friends from KU that are involved at the arts center.

“So many people from the KU dance department either teach at the arts center or take classes there,” she said.

Another aspect of the Arts Center is its theatrical productions. Some KU students are involved in “Frozen: the Musical,” which opens on Friday, Feb 20. Senior business student Paul Ruf is enjoying the experience and recommends it to other students.

“I say just join while you can,” Ruf said. “They offer great classes here. It’s a great way to get your foot into the performing world and everyone here is very welcoming.”

Overall, the arts center is always looking for ways to connect with KU, even offering collaborations and job opportunities.

“We have done events where we go to KU’s campus and work with students,” said Kathryn Combs, interim director of visual arts and residencies. “We also have had a lot of folks who have interned here before going off to start their career.”

The pipeline from KU to the Lawrence Arts Center is strong, but the door will always be open for more KU students to get involved in the community art opportunities the LAC offers.

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