The Lawrence Arts Center was established in Lawrence, Kansas in May 1974 to support the visual and performing arts. The founder and first Executive Director was Ann Evans, who retired at the end of 2007. In 2002, the Center opened a new facility that included studios, gallery space, a performance space, a gallery shop and space for an arts-based preschool. Currently over 95,000 people participate in the education, performance and outreach programs each year.
On November 17, 2008, David L. Leamon assumed the role of Executive Director. Mr. Leamon resigned as Executive Director effective July 31, 2009, and the current Executive Director, Susan Tate, a former Humanities and English teacher at Lawrence High School, began in the position on December 1, 2009.
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