KU’s Spencer Museum welcomes the world with installation, programs for summer of soccer

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has a special installation highlighting art from the countries playing and staying in the Kansas City area this summer for the World Cup. Visitors can also experience a soccer-themed gallery talk and art-making activity and access multilingual materials about the museum’s exhibitions.

“Welcoming the World to Lawrence” features 30 artworks from the Spencer Museum’s collection that represent Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Curaçao, Ecuador, England, the Netherlands and Tunisia. Through these artworks, visitors can explore locations and perspectives that shape communities around the world, revealing the power of art, and sport, to unite us. Of particular interest are three recently acquired photographs by Algerian artist Lazhar Mansouri. The Algerian men's team will train at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence during the tournament.

Also on view in the Spencer Museum’s Brosseau Learning Center is a colorful painting of a soccer match created by artist Mouscou from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DR Congo team will compete in this summer’s international soccer tournament for the first time since 1974.

Related programming includes a gallery talk on June 11 at 10:15 a.m. that will focus on the art displayed in “Welcoming the World to Lawrence.” Visitors are invited to get inspired by the installation at an art-making activity from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 13  and make their own paper soccer ball.

The Spencer Museum has also prepared to welcome international visitors by creating self-guided tours and gallery activities in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Admission to the museum and its events is free for all visitors.

“Welcoming the World” remains on view through July 12. The installation and related programs are supported by Jeff and Mary Weinberg.