News


View press releases and download high-resolution images. Members of the press seeking more information about exhibitions and programs, interviews with Museum staff, or images should contact Director of External Affairs Elizabeth Kanost.

Please note: Appointments are required to take professional photography or video or to use tripods and other equipment in the galleries. Personal photography without equipment is permitted, but do not use flash or selfie sticks. 

Thu, 05/04/2023

New book by Spencer Museum curator centers voices of unrecognized performers

LAWRENCE — A new book by Joey Orr, Spencer Museum curator for research at the University of Kansas, presents the often unheard experiences of collaborators who perform in other artists’ work. ...

Mon, 04/24/2023

Artists Miller & Shellabarger to perform April 28-29 at Spencer Museum of Art

LAWRENCE — This week the Spencer Museum of Art will host Chicago-based artists Miller & Shellabarger (Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger) for a series of public events on April 28-29 that explore performance art, queerness and the dynamic of performing as a couple. ...

Tue, 04/18/2023

Spencer Museum, Charlotte Street announce Rocket Grants 2023 call for artists

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art and Charlotte Street have announced the 2023 cycle of Rocket Grants, with the call for artists opening online May 15. An information session will be held April 21 at the Spencer Museum at the University of Kansas for artists interested in applying. ...

Tue, 04/11/2023

Spencer Museum announces 2023 Brosseau Creativity Award recipients

Tue, 02/28/2023

Spencer Museum to host community celebration of new collection galleries March 4

Mon, 02/13/2023

Photos by Accra Shepp at Spencer Museum of Art document Occupy Wall Street, COVID-19

LAWRENCE — A new exhibition, “Dissent, Discontent, and Action: Pictures of US by Accra Shepp,” opens Feb. 18 at the Spencer Museum of Art. Through two portrait series, “Occupying Wall Street” and “The Covid Journals,” New York-based contemporary photographer Accra Shepp reveals a sense of community, hope and resilience during...

Thu, 09/01/2022

Spencer Museum receives $250K from Institute of Museum and Library Services for database upgrade

LAWRENCE — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded the Spencer Museum of Art $250,000 to upgrade its collection database, MuseumPlus, to the newest cloud-based version. Together with an IMLS grant awarded in 2021 to redesign the Spencer Museum’s websites, this funding will help improve access to...

Tue, 08/09/2022

Spencer Museum announces KU Common Work of Art for 2022–2023

Wed, 07/20/2022

Spencer Museum of Art receives $3 million gift to endow Arts Research Integration

Thu, 05/12/2022

Spencer Museum announces 2022 Brosseau Creativity Award recipients

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has announced the 2022 recipients of the Jack & Lavon Brosseau Creativity Awards. Established by benefactor Lavon Brosseau in 2011, the awards honor innovative and risk-taking creative work in the categories of writing and diverse media from KU...

Tue, 05/10/2022

Spencer Museum, Charlotte Street Foundation relaunch Rocket Grants

Thu, 04/07/2022

Spencer Museum announces Sydney Pursel as new curator for public practice

The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has announced the hiring of Sydney Pursel as the institution’s first curator for public practice.
Mon, 12/06/2021

Spencer Museum receives $1.4M from Department of Education to help Kansas teachers bring art into their classrooms

Wed, 10/20/2021

Spencer Museum’s annual Backyard Bash features student installations in Marvin Grove

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas announces its sixth annual Backyard Bash, which opens Oct. 21 and remains on view in Marvin Grove through Nov. 12. Part exhibition, part festival, the Backyard Bash celebrates the interplay of nature, culture and the character of community...

Wed, 10/13/2021

Spencer Museum opens Oct. 15 with never before exhibited works

Media Contacts

Elizabeth Kanost

Director of External Affairs

785-864-0142