Spencer Museum of Art Events | Spencer Museum of Art

Events Calendar

All events are free and open to everyone unless otherwise noted. See individual listings for events that require registration.

September 20

Activity

STEAM: Renaissance Science

4PM – 5PM
LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 707 VERMONT ST

Explore the amazing scientists and artists of the Renaissance. Registration requested. Register at the children’s desk at the Lawrence Public Library or call 785-843-3833.

Sponsored By: Lawrence Public Library, Spencer Museum of Art

September 22

Talk

Red Hot Research Graduate Edition

4PM – 5:30PM
THE COMMONS, SPOONER HALL, 1340 JAYHAWK BLVD

Red Hot Research brings together scholars from all disciplines, speaking for six minutes each in Pecha Kucha-inspired presentations. Audience members are encouraged to connect with the speakers and each other during breaks. This session features graduate student research.

Sponsored By: The Commons, Spencer Museum of Art

September 24

Talk

Slow Art Sunday Figure Before Blackness

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 405

Slow down at the Spencer and spend time getting to know one great work of art. Slow Art Sunday features one work for visitors to contemplate and converse about with Museum staff. In September, get to know Figure Before Blackness by Robert Motherwell.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

September 27

Talk

Terra Anima: Geomorphologies

1:30PM – 2:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART

Daniel Hirmas (KU Geography and Atmospheric Science) presents a performative lecture about his soil monoliths featured in the exhibition Terra Anima.

Sponsored By: Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, the Environmental Studies Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, Spencer Museum of Art

September 28

Talk

Senior Session Separate and Not Equal: A History of Race and Education in America

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 408, KEMPER FAMILY FOUNDATIONS BALCONY

Curator of Global Indigenous Art Cassandra Mesick-Braun uses works of art and visual culture to explore the U.S. history of racial disparity in education during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This series of informal gallery talks is designed for senior citizens but open to everyone.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

September 28

Talk

Terra Anima Claire Pentecost

11AM – 12PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 404, LARRY AND BARBARA MARSHALL FAMILY BALCONY

Claire Pentecost is an artist and professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The motivation for her work is to learn about the world she lives in. Join Pentacost for a discussion about her soil chromatography prints, created by exposing soil samples to paper through a photographic process.

Sponsored By: Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, the Environmental Studies Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, Spencer Museum of Art

September 28

Activity

Terra Anima Wakarusa Wetlands History Tour

1:30PM – 3:30PM
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY

Jay T. Johnson (KU Geography and Atmospheric Science) and Soren Larson (University of Missouri Geography) lead a hike in the Wakarusa wetlands. They explore the history of the land and discuss their research into the agency of the wetlands to create a co-existence with the more-than-human world. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations will be available through the Museum's website starting August 21.

Sponsored By: Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, Spencer Museum of Art

September 28

Talk

Terra Anima Terra Infirma: Our Quaking, Shaking, Baking, Ailing Earth

5:30PM – 6:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART AUDITORIUM, RM 309

For centuries, terra was firma: solid ground on which edifices could be built. These days, “the environment” is said to be ailing. Kath Weston (University of Virginia, Anthropology) considers whether this shift can be reconciled with recent work in the arts and sciences that features happier depictions of a terra laced with pollinating beetles, industrious earthworms, and immunity-building bacteria.

Sponsored By: by the Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, the Environmental Studies Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, Spencer Museum of Art

September 29

Talk

Terra Anima Roundtable with Claire Pentecost and Kath Weston

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 307, RECEPTION ROOM

Artist Claire Pentecost and anthropologist Kath Weston lead an informal discussion that reflects on some of the themes throughout the Museum’s Terra Anima programming.

Sponsored By: the Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science, the Environmental Studies Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, the Spencer Museum of Art

September 29

Talk

Red Hot Research Red Hot Research

4PM – 5:30PM
THE COMMONS, SPOONER HALL, 1340 JAYHAWK BLVD

Red Hot Research brings together scholars from all disciplines, speaking for six minutes each in Pecha Kucha–inspired presentations. Audience members are encouraged to connect with the speakers and each other during breaks. This session features Claire Pentecost and Kath Weston as respondents to KU researchers.

Sponsored By: The Commons, Spencer Museum of Art

October 01

Activity

Backyard Bash

1PM – 4PM
MARVIN GROVE, DIRECTLY BEHIND SPENCER MUSEUM, 1301 MISSISSIPPI

Kick back with your friends and neighbors in the biggest backyard on campus—historic Marvin Grove behind the Spencer Museum of Art. This artful celebration of our surroundings ushers in the centennial of the Museum’s collection. Enjoy music by Rocket Grants Resident Artist Mark Southerland and Brian Haas's Love Amalgam, and the KU Percussion Group, art and nature activities, games, refreshments, prizes, and surprises.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 06

Class

Taking the Mystery Out of Copyright and Fair Use

12:30PM – 5PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 307, RECEPTION ROOM

What are the principles of copyright law, and how does fair use doctrine protect freedom of expression? Learn how copyright applies to works by nonfiction/documentary video and film professionals, journalists, nonfiction writers, documentary photographers and others during this free, 4-hour seminar open to attorneys, students, faculty and the general public. New York attorney Karen Shatzkin will lead the program. Known for her expertise in copyright law, Shatzkin will share lessons based on her more than 30 years of experience in dealing with legal issues affecting documentary films. Her experience includes vetting films pre-release; negotiating contracts with creative personnel, distributors, studios and networks; and responding to claims against filmmakers. Four hours CLE credit pending for interested attendees. Space is limited. Registration will open in late August via the KU School of Law website.

Sponsored By: KU School of Law’s Media, Law, and Technology Program, Spencer Museum of Art

October 12

Talk

Senior Session Heroic Legacies: How two armored Heraldic Figures embody Lineage and Memory in the Northern Renaissance

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 318, JACK AND LAVON BROSSEAU CENTER FOR LEARNING

Chassica Kirchoff, PhD candidate in the Kress Department of Art History, discusses two bearded figures in the Museum’s collection that once guarded the tomb of a wealthy couple from the Belgian city of Leuven. Her talk explores the ways that these 16th-century sculptures and the tomb they once adorned proclaimed their patrons’ identities and tied them to illustrious classical and medieval pasts, as well as to the courtly fashions of their time. This series of informal gallery talks is designed for senior citizens but open to everyone.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 14

Activity

Art Cart Totem Tales

1PM – 4PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 406, JOHN AND LINDA STEWART GALLERY

The Art Cart is a drop-in activity station where children and grown-ups enjoy hands-on art projects together, taking inspiration from original works of art. Learn how artist Luke Watson created a totem pole to tell a traditional story then create one from clay based on your own tales.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 15

Talk

Up Close Terra Anima

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 404, LARRY AND BARBARA MARSHALL FAMILY BALCONY

Experience the exhibition Terra Anima through the eyes of Assistant Curator of Research Joey Orr and learn about the Museum's new Integrated Arts Research Initiative through objects that highlight both artists and scientists as makers of objects of cultural contemplation. Terra Anima underscores the idea that soil is not inert, but rather a living environment. Up Close gallery talks reveal the personal stories behind exhibitions.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 25

Performance

My Name is Sallie

7PM – 8PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT

This experimental, immersive musical theater experience tells the story of the founding gift of art to the University of Kansas that became the Spencer Museum of Art. Created by Spencer Archivist Robert Hickerson and featuring the talents of artists and students from across the community. Staged in the exhibition Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU, the performance is a free special preview event and part of the centennial celebration of our collection. All ages welcome. Space is limited and advance tickets are required. Tickets are available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-name-is-sallie-tickets-37725266287.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 26

Talk

Senior Session Lilla Cabot Perry in Japan

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 401, LESTER "DUSTY" LOO GALLERY

Sara Anne Stepp, a PhD student in the Kress Department of Art History, discusses American Impressionist Lilla Cabot Perry’s three years in Japan and the impact of her travels on her later work. The talk highlights Young Caretaker, a painting in the Spencer’s collection created during Perry’s time in Japan. This series of informal gallery talks is designed for senior citizens but open to everyone.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 26

Performance

My Name is Sallie

7PM – 8PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT

This experimental, immersive musical theater experience tells the story of the founding gift of art to the University of Kansas that became the Spencer Museum of Art. Created by Spencer Archivist Robert Hickerson and staged in the exhibition Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU, the performance is a free special preview event and part of the centennial celebration of our collection. All ages welcome. Space is limited and advance tickets are required. Tickets are available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-name-is-sallie-tickets-37725266287.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

October 29

Talk

Slow Art Sunday The Ballad of the Jealous Lover of Lone Green Valley

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 407

Slow down at the Spencer and spend time getting to know one great work of art. Slow Art Sunday features one work for visitors to contemplate and converse about with Museum staff. In October, get to know The Ballad of the Jealous Lover of Lone Green Valley by Thomas Hart Benton.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 05

Talk

Stories from the Museum Archives: Sallie Casey Thayer Collects

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 305, STEPHEN H. GODDARD STUDY CENTER

Spencer Museum archivist Robert Hickerson and student assistant Rose Wolf open up the archives for an exploration of primary resources that document the collection that initiated an art museum at KU. This behind-the-scenes program is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU and the Museum’s centennial celebration of our collection.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 09

Talk

Senior Session Around the Cake: A Visual Confection by Wayne Thiebaud

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 318, JACK AND LAVON BROSSEAU CENTER FOR LEARNING

Lauren R. Erickson, interim director for KU Marketing Communications, discusses Wayne Thiebaud’s delectable painting Around the Cake. Her talk considers the painting’s cultural context, including issues of domesticity, women's roles in mid-century homes, and American tastes for consumer culture whipped into its white-frosted layers. This series of informal gallery talks is designed for senior citizens but open to everyone.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 09

Social

Party of the Century

6PM – 8PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART

This once-in-a-century event for Friends of the Art Museum celebrates the enduring legacy of the Museum’s founding gift and heralds the beginning of the next 100 years. Mark this historic milestone with fellow members and enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and festive surprises that capture the spirit of the Museum’s origins. To join Friends of the Art Museum, please contact membership staff at fam@ku.edu.

November 10

Talk

IARI Research Forum: Fellows Discussion

4PM – 5PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 307, RECEPTION ROOM

Now in its second year, the Integrated Arts Research Initiative integrates the arts into KU research. Join current and past faculty, undergraduate, and graduate IARI fellows for a discussion of their interdisciplinary work.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 10

Talk

IARI Research Forum: MacArthur Keynote Conversation

5:30PM – 6:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART AUDITORIUM, RM 309

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 11

Activity

Art Cart Collecting Curiosities

1PM – 4PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT

The Art Cart is a drop-in activity station where children and grown-ups enjoy hands-on art projects together, taking inspiration from original works of art. In 1917, art collector Sallie Casey Thayer donated her amazing collection of curious objects and works of art to the Spencer. Learn about her and create your own cabinet of curiosities.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 12

Talk

Up Close Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT, GALLERY 316, GALLERY 315

Delve into this exhibition celebrating our collection’s centennial with Curator and Director of Academic Programs Celka Straughn as your guide. Discover the collecting motivations of visionary philanthropist Sallie Casey Thayer and learn how her ideas continue to inform teaching, learning, and research at the Museum today. Up Close gallery talks reveal the personal stories behind exhibitions

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 15

Film

Global Film Festival The Gleaners and I

5:30PM – 7:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART AUDITORIUM, RM 309

The Global Film Festival, a series of four films curated by first-year students in conjunction with the Spencer Museum’s exhibitions, continues with French director Agnes Varda's 2001 film about the lives of scavengers, from homeless teens to famous artists. The documentary travelogue begins with the famous Jean-François Millet painting of women gathering wheat left over from a harvest and focuses on gleaners of all kinds: those scavenging out of desperation, environmentally-conscious activists, and others who make works of art out of cast-off goods. Ultimately, Varda’s observations lead to a reflection on her life as a filmmaker. This film is screened in conjunction with the exhibition Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU. Running time: 1 hr. 22 min. Not rated.

Sponsored By: Department of Film and Media Studies, Office of First-Year Experience, Spencer Museum of Art

November 17

Talk

Red Hot Research Graduate Edition

4PM – 5:30PM
THE COMMONS, SPOONER HALL, 1340 JAYHAWK BLVD

Sponsored By: The Commons, Spencer Museum of Art

November 19

Talk

Slow Art Sunday Amida Buddha (Amitabha)

2PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 407

Slow down at the Spencer and spend time getting to know one great work of art. Slow Art Sunday features one work for visitors to contemplate and converse about with Museum staff. In November, get to know Amida Buddha (Amitabha)

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

November 19

Performance

Aspects of Liszt

4PM – 5:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT

Distinguished Emmy-winning author, critic, radio and film producer David Dubal joins KU international concert artist Steven Spooner in an afternoon of piano music from the era of the Spencer Museum’s origins and fascinating commentary on the legendary Franz Liszt. This concert is part of the Museum’s centennial celebration of our collection.

Sponsored By: Reach Out Kansas, Spencer Museum of Art

November 30

Film

Global Film Festival Global Film Festival

5:30PM – 7:30PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART AUDITORIUM, RM 309

Curated by first-year students, the Global Film Festival features four films exploring ideas in Spencer Museum exhibitions. This film is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Power Clashing: Clothing, Collage, and Contemporary Identities. The film will be announced on the Museum’s website

Sponsored By: Department of Film and Media Studies, Spencer Museum of Art

December 01

Film

Global Film Festival Global Film Festival

1PM – 3PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART AUDITORIUM, RM 309

This is the last installment of the Global Film Festival, curated by first-year students exploring ideas in Spencer Museum exhibitions. This film is presented in conjunction with an exhibition of African decorative arts. The film will be announced on the Museum’s website.

Sponsored By: Department of Film & Media Studies, Office of First-Year Experience, Spencer Museum of Art

December 12

Activity

Finals in the Flex Space Study Breaks

1PM – 4PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 320, FLEX SPACE

Take a break during finals for some art and coffee to calm the mind and energize your thinking.

Sponsored By: Student Advisory Board, Spencer Museum of Art

December 13

Activity

Finals in the Flex Space Study Breaks

1PM – 4PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 320, FLEX SPACE

Take a break during finals for some art and coffee to calm the mind and energize your thinking.

Sponsored By: Student Advisory Board, Spencer Museum of Art

December 14

Talk

Senior Session Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

10AM – 11AM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, GALLERY 317, SAM AND CONNIE PERKINS CENTRAL COURT

A hundred years ago, Kansas City philanthropist Sallie Casey Thayer donated her extensive collection to the KU, forming the basis for what is today the Spencer Museum of Art’s collection. Celka Straughn, Director of Academic Programs, discusses this eclectic collection, from Japanese prints and American paintings to sumptuous textiles, ancient artifacts, and even valentines. This series of informal gallery talks is designed for senior citizens but open to everyone.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

December 14

Activity

Finals in the Flex Space Study Breaks

1PM – 4PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART, RM 320, FLEX SPACE

Take a break during finals for some art and coffee to calm the mind and energize your thinking.

Sponsored By: Student Advisory Board, Spencer Museum of Art

December 17

Talk

Slow Art Sunday Presepio

2PM – 3PM

Slow down at the Spencer and spend time getting to know one great work of art. Slow Art Sunday features one work for visitors to contemplate and converse about with Museum staff. In December, get to know our 18th-century Italian Presepio.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art

December 24

Talk

Home for the Holidays

12PM – 1PM
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART

Every year, Spencer Museum Director Saralyn Reece Hardy spends an afternoon in the galleries welcoming visitors and leading informal tours to celebrate the holiday season. This year's tour centers on the origins of the Museum and collecting and sharing art as a form of civic engagement. Tours begin at 12pm and 1pm. Join us and make this Spencer Museum tradition your own. These tours are presented in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the Museum’s collection.

Sponsored By: Spencer Museum of Art