All are welcome to celebrate the unveiling of the new public art installation honoring the La Yarda community on September 20! The event begins with a red ribbon dedication of the mural panels created by artist Javy Ortiz at the corner of the Lawrence Loop at 8th & Delaware. Mariachi musicians will guide community members down the trail to Van Go (715 New Jersey Street) for a community celebration with refreshments and live music. Maria the Mexican will perform an invigorating selection of music inspired by each of the six mural panels.
The La Yarda Public Art Project was produced by the Lawrence Arts Center and 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. This project recognizes the contributions of the La Yarda residents and invites visitors to revisit history while engaging in the outdoor trail system. Historical signage to accompany this artwork is supported by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. The celebration is made possible from grant support from the City of Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Special thank you to the steering committee comprised of members from the La Yarda families, art professionals from the City of Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center and the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, and community partners from LiveWell Douglas County and the Watkins Museum of History.
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.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a mezcla of Mexican folklore and Rock n’ Roll. For ten years, Maria Elena Cuevas performed with her grandmother’s mariachi band Mariachi Estrella. In 2012, Maria connected with longtime Alt-R&B musician Garrett Nordstrom to form the fusion of Maria The Mexican. MTM is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Nordstrom. With a southwestern flare and melancholy motifs, Maria The Mexican rocks it out in Spanish and English with a host of emotion.
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