Photo Credit: Aurora Noctua; Wondrous Things, Liz Swanson 

Liz Swanson is a long standing pillar of the community and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Kentucky. She has worked on many projects with the goal of helping her community to develop and grow through illustrations, murals, installations, urban planning, and more. She is, as she put it: “an artist and human being with over 47 years of experience” (Swanson, lizswanson.com). Her new book stems from these same desires to bring about meaningful experiences through the combination of architecture, storytelling and illustration. Her goal for Wondrous Things, in particular is to empower the younger part of our community. She wants children to see and experience this book, and through that experience, gain a sense of ownership over their creativity and their talents and realize their potential for creative thought (Crouch, “Making a Difference: Project hoping to put a book in the hands of 200 kids”). The book is two books in one. On one side there is a full color, illustrated story, and on the other side there is a place for children and readers to express their own creativity and to collaborate. The design of the book is truly unique and takes the already physically interactive nature of a printed book to a whole new level and makes the audience an active part in the creation of the story through illustration. 
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Currently Liz Swanson’s book is available at the Lexington Art League’s gift shop, so when you come by to check out our range of exhibitions, be sure to also stop by and check out her meaningful and beautiful amalgamation of literature, art, and architecture. By helping to support local artists, you too can make a positive difference in your community.

Links:
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Lex 18: https://www.lex18.com/community/making-a-difference/making-a-difference-project-hoping-to-put-a-book-in-the-hands-of-200-kids

Liz Swanson: http://www.lizswanson.com

Gallery hours for the Lexington Art League are:
Tuesday - Friday [12-6pm] and Saturday - Sunday [1-4pm]

​Author: Aurora Noctua
Aurora Noctua is a local artist and intern of the Lexington Art League. She is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Design. 

Photo Credit: Aurora Noctua; Cards made by Viviantics

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and when looking for that special present for that special individual, be it friend or partner, don't forget about the Lexington Art League's brand new local artist gift shop. The gift shop features a wide variety of things from lovingly folded paper-heart greeting cards to meticulously crafted silver jewelry. Along with our selection in the gift shop, our January-February exhibition features Lori Larusso in the Lillian Boyer gallery. Her fabulously painted heart-shaped cakes come in wall decor as well as stickers. Each artist featured, whether it be in the gallery or the gift shop, has put their heart into their creations that are perfect for gifting to the ones you love. 

Gallery hours for the Lexington Art League are:
Tuesday - Friday [12-6pm] and Saturday - Sunday [1-4pm]

​Author: Aurora Noctua
Aurora Noctua is a local artist and intern of the Lexington Art League. She is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Design.