Spencer Museum’s Backyard Bash showcases art by KU students in Marvin Grove

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art invites the University of Kansas and Lawrence communities to explore its fifth annual Backyard Bash, a monthlong outdoor celebration with an interactive art installation in Marvin Grove on view Saturday, Oct. 24, through Nov. 19.

Titled “Conference of the Birds,” the installation features 13 sculptural “nests” created by KU graduate and undergraduate students representing architecture, physics, social welfare and visual art. Different nests in the installation investigate themes of adaptation, shelter, sustainability, community care and the human impact on our ecosphere. These ideas are also explored in the Spencer Museum’s exhibition “Audubon in the Anthropocene.”

Visitors are invited to explore the installation at their leisure using a guide that can be found in the Spencer’s Little Free Museum in front of the building on Mississippi Street, or downloaded from the event website. Pop-up activities, prizes and more will appear among the nests throughout the month, so repeat visits are encouraged. Follow the Spencer Museum’s social media for hints.

“Backyard Bash: Conference of the Birds” is generously supported by the Beach-Edwards Family Foundation, Steve Sears and the Linda Inman Bailey Exhibitions Fund. Additional programming support is provided by KU Student Senate.

Related Programming

Friday, Oct. 23

Spencer Projects: Conference of the Birds

7-8 p.m. / Spencer Museum of Art front lawn

Kick off the fifth annual Backyard Bash with a special edition of Spencer Projects featuring art from the art museum’s collection projected on the building. Perch in front of the museum to enjoy images of bird-themed pottery, paintings and prints, as well as feathered objects. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Nov. 8

Conference of the Creatives

2-3 p.m. / location TBD

Join us for an informal conversation with the student artists featured in “Conference of the Birds” about their nest designs. Details to come on the Spencer Museum’s website.