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University of Kansas museum studies students will soon debut new exhibitions at the Watkins Museum of History telling the stories of two legendary Lawrence figures.
Both exhibitions were created and installed by students in MUSE 703: Introduction to Museum Exhibits, a KU course taught by Watkins Executive Director Steve Nowak, according to a news release from the museum.
The first, “Honk for Change: Local Activism Shapes a Community,” analyzes the national push to legalize hemp and marijuana and its influence on local efforts, referencing the late Thomas Trower. Trower’s “Honk for Hemp” sign, which he held while standing at 11th and Massachusetts streets over decades, will be featured.
Graduate student curators, including Katie Coen, Mara Coufal, Brenna Renee Hobbs, Magdalena Merkler, Greyson Nackid and Haven Simnit, said in a joint statement in the release that in the exhibit, “We analyze how Thomas Trower’s actions and decisions helped shape Lawrence, illustrating how individual activism can create lasting local icons and influence community identity.”
The second exhibition, “A Wren’s Tale: A Story of Innovation, Community, and Perseverance,” presents one of two concrete wren sculptures that used to be in front of the old Wren Radio building at Eighth and Vermont streets.
Graduate student curators, including Omotayo Agunbiade, Amanda Pope, Madison L Preuett, Evelyn Theall and Luke Wilkinson, said in a joint statement in the release that with the exhibit, “We wanted to tell the unique tale of this Lawrence icon and acknowledge the many people in our community who have been impacted by and cared for the statue throughout its long history.”
Through the exhibit, visitors will be able to follow the wren’s journey — from its creation to its damage in a 1966 fire and 1980s vandalism to its restoration, according to the release. Lawrence artist Karl Ramberg recently restored the wren after it was stored in a garage for 20 years, and it’s now part of the museum’s permanent collection.
A public presentation about the wren will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at the Watkins. It’s free to attend.
Both exhibitions will be open to the public beginning Tuesday, Dec. 10.
“Honk for Change” will be located in the museum’s second floor changing exhibit gallery and will remain open through Saturday, March 8. “A Wren’s Tale” will be located in the third floor changing exhibit gallery through Feb. 22.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1047 Massachusetts St. in downtown Lawrence. Admission is free.
For more information, visit watkinsmuseum.org or email info@watkinsmuseum.org.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
“}]] KU museum studies students will soon debut new exhibitions at the Watkins Museum telling the stories of two legendary Lawrence figures. Read More
