A pop-up gallery showcasing the artistic legacy of Louis Copt, a beloved Lawrence artist who passed away this year at age 76, opened its doors Friday at 812 Massachusetts Street. The downtown Lawrence venue celebrates Copt's decades-long career while offering his original works and prints for sale to art enthusiasts and collectors.
The gallery features an extensive collection of Copt's paintings and artwork, carefully curated from his personal archives by his widow, Phyllis Copt. The displayed works include watercolor paintings, winter scenes capturing the beauty of Douglas County and the Kansas Flint Hills, detailed barn paintings, and landscapes inspired by the couple's travels through France and Spain. "It's a collection of his career, history and what he loved to do," Phyllis told the Journal-World, reflecting on her late husband's artistic passion.
Louis Copt began his full-time painting career in the mid-1980s and quickly established himself as one of Kansas's most distinguished artists. His exceptional contributions to the state's cultural landscape earned him the prestigious Governor's Artist recognition from the Kansas Arts Commission in 2011, acknowledging his outstanding impact on Kansas arts and culture. This honor was among many accolades he received throughout his illustrious career.
Copt's artistic journey included remarkable adventures and collaborations that enriched his work and the broader artistic community. He served as the official artist on a 16-day re-photographic expedition through the Grand Canyon with the Kansas Geological Survey, capturing the canyon's grandeur through his unique artistic perspective. Additionally, he led numerous painting workshops in the Kansas Flint Hills and organized art travel programs that took participants to cultural destinations including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Paris.
The artist's impact on Lawrence's visual landscape remains visible through several prominent murals he created throughout the city. One notable collaboration features a prairie fire mural on the south side of Mass Street Music at 1347 Massachusetts Street, which he painted alongside Kansas City muralists Isaac Tapia and Rico Alvarez. His large-scale work "Kansas Symphony of Seasons" graces the rooftop garden at LMH Health, serving as a testament to his ability to capture the essence of Kansas's natural beauty. Copt also maintained an open studio at the Lawrence Arts Center, where Phyllis noted he genuinely enjoyed teaching and mentoring other artists over many years.
The pop-up gallery extends beyond original paintings to include specially designed posters and notecards that Copt created for local organizations. Among these items are works he designed for the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and the Lawrence Public Library. In a gesture that reflects Copt's community spirit, Phyllis has arranged for all proceeds from these prints to benefit these organizations directly, ensuring his artistic legacy continues to support causes he cared about.
The gallery's creation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous friends and supporters from Lawrence's vibrant arts community. Local art organizations including the Cider Gallery, Phoenix Gallery, and the Lawrence Arts Center all contributed to making the pop-up gallery a reality. "It keeps me close to him," Phyllis shared, expressing how the community's support in showcasing Louis's work helps maintain their connection and honors his memory.
Art lovers and community members can visit the pop-up gallery on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition will continue through Saturday, December 20, providing several weeks for visitors to experience and potentially acquire pieces from Copt's remarkable artistic legacy. The gallery offers a unique opportunity to own works from an artist who significantly shaped Lawrence's cultural identity and captured the natural beauty of Kansas through his distinctive artistic vision.
