Mural Unveiling
2022-02-19 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
In the fall of 2021, JAMS Apprentice Artists worked to design and execute a mural in partnership with KCAIC and the Lawrence Restaurant Association. The mural honors Lawrence’s essential food, restaurant, and hospitality workers for their support of our community through the COVID-19 pandemic. The mural consists of four images on eight 4′ x 10′ panels.
The mural, located on the east side of the US Bank building at 900 Massachusetts St, will be unveiled in conjunction with Lawrence Restaurant Week on Saturday, February 19th. Join us from 3:30 – 5:00pm on the 19th to see the new mural unveiled!
Parking in the downtown parking garage on New Hampshire Street across from the Arts Center is recommended.

May Day Hey Day 2022
2022-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Thanks for making May Day Hey Day 2022 a success!
View the photos of the event

Our family-friendly fundraiser is back this year! Gather all your friends and neighbors for a walk/run/ride/stroll along the Lawrence Loop, followed by an after-party at Van Go! This affordable event raises needed funds for Van Go’s “Go Healthy” initiative. This year’s event took place on Saturday, April 30.

Packet Pickup

We’re asking all ticket holders to come pick up your May Day Hey Day packet at Van Go prior to Saturday’s event. You can come to Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., on Thursday, April 28 from 1 PM – 6 PM or on Friday, April 29 from 9 AM to 5 PM. Pull up to the front door and ring the bell!

Your packet contains a lot of things you’re going to want for Saturday, including:

Your May Day Hey Day passport, which contains a map highlighting all our suggested starting points for your journey as well as a fun passport stamp collecting activity to do along the way
A friendship bracelet made by the Van Go crew to wear as your “ticket” into the after party
Other toys, treats, and trinkets to make your day extra fun!

If you’re traveling with a team or a group, you’re welcome to send one representative to collect packets for the whole team if that’s easier for you. Packet pickup is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and make sure you know exactly what to do when Saturday morning rolls around.

May Day Hey Day Passport & Map
Need to reference the map from your May Day Hey Day passport on the go? Here it is!

Not sure where to start?
Unsure where to start? Here’s 3 suggested locations to start moving on Saturday the 30th if you’d like to hit the after party right around 10 AM.
Choose if you’d like to travel (approximately) 1, 3, or 5 miles. If you’re the average adult, you can walk a mile in about 25 minutes, so that’s the number we used for our calculations. (Obviously make adjustments if your group includes children, if you’re planning to ride/roll/run, if you want to have extra time to stop and smell the roses along the way, if you are the power walking champion of Eastern Kansas, etc.)

After Party
Wherever you start your journey, make sure you end up in the Van Go parking lot between 10am and Noon.
The party will be hopping with live music by Flash Floods, healthy snacks, succulent planting station, exclusive access to brand new Van Go artwork, and more.
Check out the music of Flash Floods before the event on their website or on Spotify!

Teams
Building a May Day Hey Day team is a great way to support Van Go! Grab 10 friends, coworkers, or family members and pick a team name.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets, slide on over to our Online Team Roster and let us know who’s on your team. Team leaders can fill out the roster for their whole team, or have each team member sign up individually. Don’t forget to email us@van-go.org and tell us your team name!
Then start brainstorming how you’re going to win the team fundraising challenge!
Download the Team Toolkit for a checklist, fundraising tips, and suggested starting points to help plan your team’s route!

Team Fundraising Challenge
Each team of 10 is challenged to raise $1,000 (or more) for Van Go! The team that raises the most funds wins an art experience for 10 at Van Go.
Donations can be made online! Click here or share this link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/MDHD2022DONATE
*Be sure to check the box for “I would like to dedicate this donation” and indicate the TEAM NAME or TEAM MEMBER to receive credit!
Donations can also be mailed to:
Van Go, Inc.
PO Box 153
Lawrence, KS 66044
Again, make sure the check mentions May Day Hey Day and the team name!
All donations go to Van Go’s Go Healthy initiative, our holistic approach to health and well-being which provides Van Go youth with the tools they need to be successful–now and in the future.

Dinner on the Curve 2022
2022-10-08 17:00 - 21:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
For info about Dinner on the Curve 2023, please click here!

Get ahead of the curve!
Tickets are on sale now for Dinner on the Curve, Van Go’s annual fundraising dinner under the stars. Join us for an evening of culinary and artistic delights!
The evening of Saturday, October 8, 2022
On the Van Go Curve at 7th and New Jersey Streets
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00 ARRIVAL & COCKTAIL HOUR
Guests will enjoy live music from Chris Shaw and Friends as they peruse auction items with a delicious bite and bev in hand.
6:30 DINNER
Guests will move to their assigned tables under the tents for a fantastic family style dinner prepared by our dear friends at Merchants Pub & Plate.
7:45 PROGRAM
Our evening’s host, Sean Hunt, will take us through the evening as we celebrate 25 years of Van Go with the premiere of our new video.
AUCTION
Get those paddles ready for the Auction portion of the evening with famed auctioneer, Mark Elston.
Art, Trips & Experiences await!
RAISE A PADDLE
Art is the means by which everything happens at Van Go. Raise your paddle to help support Van Go’s art budget.
Donate online to our Raise a Paddle cause!

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW THE ITEMS FOR THIS YEAR’S LIVE AUCTION!

This year’s auction is full of amazing pieces crafted by Van Go Apprentice Artists, along with fun trips and culinary & artistic experience packages. In honor of our 25th anniversary, this year’s auction also features art pieces by Van Go graduates as well as artwork by current and former Van Go teaching artists.

Adornment Holiday Art Show & Sale Opening Night
2022-11-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Our annual Adornment Holiday Art Show & Sale will kick off with an Opening Night event on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 7PM to 9PM.
Join us for a youth recognition ceremony, cupcakes, live music, community, and art galore!
The gallery will be open for in-person shopping from November 27 to December 18, 2022 with the following hours:
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday: 10AM-6PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM
Sunday: 1PM-5PM
SHOP ONLINE
Shop Adornment online starting Sunday, November 27 at 5PM! Shop 24/7 with options for curbside pickup, delivery, or shipping to your door!

Van Go 25th Reunion
2022-11-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
In honor of 25 years of Van Go serving the youth of Douglas County, we’re throwing a party!
Are you a Van Go grad or alumni? Join us on Sunday, November 27 from 11am – 1 pm for a reunion brunch! Enjoy some delicious food & see all your favorite Van Go faces past and present. We’re planning an interactive art project and of course an open mic if you want to share your Van Go story! Then stick around to shop the Adornment show.
RSVP NOW!
Complete the Van Go Graduate & Alumni Survey
If you have a few moments, please complete this Van Go Graduate & Alumni Survey. We do this survey every 5 years, so please complete it even if you have in a previous reunion year. The data collected helps Van Go to better serve Douglas County youth. Include your name and email at the bottom of the survey and be entered to win one of three $625 prizes!! (That’s $25 for each of our 25 years!) Winners will be announced at the reunion. You will NOT need to be present to win. Please share the survey with any alumni and Van Go grads you know!
Join the Van Go Artist Alumni Facebook Group
Sign up for the Van Go mailing list

May Day Hey Day 2023
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Van Go’s family friendly, go-at-your-own-pace community walk, ride, roll, and run along the Lawrence Loop is back! After cruising the Loop, join us for a party from 10am-Noon in the Van Go parking lot, complete with DJ Approach, Cellar Door bagels and coffee, a craft cocktail courtesy of Bon Bon Cocktail Club, The Last Carnival’s Ruckus Wagon, a succulent planting station a la Jungle House, photo booth, and more!
May Day Hey Day is a fundraiser for Go Healthy!
What is Go Healthy?
Go Healthy is Van Go’s holistic approach to self-care and wellness that is central to all of our programs and services. Our Go Healthy programming includes mental health supports, healthy snacks and summer lunches, nutrition education, physical activity, and wellness activities/education.
Purchase your May Day Hey Day tickets HERE!

Today – Buy your Tickets!
Ticket – $25
Ticket + T-Shirt – $40
Consider putting together a team to participate together!
Now through May 6 – Fundraising Challenge!
(Optional, but encouraged!) Crowdfund as an individual (goal of $150) or build a team of up to 10 and aim for $1,000! PRIZES awarded to top fundraisers! All funds raised support Van Go’s Go Healthy initiative.
Looking for how to give? Donate online and check the box to dedicate your donation “in honor of” a team, team member or individual!

May 4/May 5 – Packet & T-Shirt Pickup
Swing by Van Go, 715 New Jersey St, on Thursday, May 4, 1pm-6pm or Friday, May 5, 9am-5pm to pick up your event packet. The packet will include a map of the route, swag, and other goodies! If you purchased the Ticket + T-Shirt, you can also pick up your shirt. Shirts will be available in a range of sizes. Sizes available on a first-come, first-served basis. Didn’t buy the Ticket +T-Shirt? No problem– extra shirts will be sold at the party on May 6 for $20 each!
May 6 – Walk, Ride, Roll, or Run to Van Go for May Day Hey Day!
Choose your starting point on the Lawrence Loop and get moving!
We recommend:
1 Mile route: Start at Burroughs Creek Park (900 E. 15th St.) around 9:30am
3 Mile route: Start at Haskell Ave & 29th St. (910 E. 29th St.) around 8:45am
5 Mile route: Start at Van Go “Restoration” mural (31st & Louisiana) around 8:00am
Allow extra time if walking with small children.
May Day Hey Day! Party at Van Go from 10am – Noon!
The party in the parking lot at 715 New Jersey will feature music by DJ Approach, Cellar Door Cafe bagels and coffee, a craft cocktail courtesy of Bon Bon Cocktail Club, The Last Carnival’s Ruckus Wagon, a succulent planting station with Jungle House, photo booth, and more!

Thanks to our May Day Hey Day Sole Sponsor:

Benchmark Unveiling
2023-07-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Due to the extreme temperatures, this event will be held INDOORS at Van Go!

Dinner on the Curve 2023
2023-09-23 17:00 - 20:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us Saturday, September 23, 5pm – 8:30PM on the Van Go Curve at 7th & New Jersey Streets.
In the event of rain, we’ll move the party inside Van Go!
Enjoy an evening under the stars and support Van Go youth in creating their visions of success.

Need a vegetarian meal? No problem! Email us@van-go.org and we’ll make a note.
Click here to purchase your tickets now!
One ticket = $195
Full table of 8 tickets = $1560
When purchasing tickets, you will set up an account with Ready Set Auction. Please create a new account even if you have used Ready Set Auction in the past. This will streamline the ticketing and auction process. A few minutes of your time now will ensure a smooth check-in on the night of the event.
Can’t attend? Donate to our Raise a Paddle cause and raise a virtual paddle for art! Art is a key component of what we do, and your support helps to fund art supplies, staff, equipment, and more.

FOOD: Savor culinary delights brought to you by our friends at Merchants Pub & Plate.
COCKTAILS: Connect with your friends and the community during cocktail hour with drinks a la Henry’s Upstairs and Ad Astra Selections.
TUNES: Unwind with funky jazz beats from Chris Shaw and Friends.
AUCTION: Raise your paddle to support Van Go programming featuring works from Van Go youth and local artists Mona Cliff, Angie Pickman, Odessa Star Comes Out, Javy Ortiz, and Hong Zhang.
Click here to preview the auction catalog!

Going once, twice, sold! Taking Bids Fundraising (TBF) is based in Kansas City and is leading the industry with record-smashing methods to raise money for nonprofits. TBF believes in making our community a better place one auction at a time. We are excited to welcome Trisha Brauer of Taking Bids Fundraising as this year’s auctioneer!

Thanks to all of our event sponsors:Special thanks also to our in-kind donors, Owens Flower Shop; and to our culinary sponsors, Merchants Pub & Plate, Henry’s Upstairs, Free State Beer, and Ad Astra Selections.

Adornment
2023-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Don’t miss out on Adornment, Van Go’s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale! This is your opportunity to see all the wonderful artwork created by Van Go’s Apprentice Artists and even purchase some to bring home with you. Shop our great selection of holiday decor, ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry, apparel, toys, glassware, and more! Prices start at $3.

Can’t come by the sale in person? No need to miss out! Shop online beginning Monday, November 27 by visiting our online store at van-go.org. We offer curbside pickup, local delivery, and shipping options.

Van Go will be the venue* for these upcoming events:

Astra Art Maker’s Market /// IG: @astra_artmarket

Sunday, December 3 from 11 am – 5 pm

LOLA, Lovers of Lawrence Artwork /// IG: @lolalawrence

Saturday, December 9 from 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, December 10 from 11 am – 3 pm

Meet San-Dee Claus – meet and greet and free photos with Santa!

Saturday, December 16 from 2 pm – 5 pm

*While our 2023 calendar is booked, inquire with us about renting our space for your 2024 holiday art show!

Benchmark Unveiling 2024
2024-07-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States

Dinner on the Curve 2024
2024-10-11 18:00 - 21:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!*
Tickets: $225/seat | $1800/table of 8
*Please note: you will need to sign up for a new account even if you have attended a past event.
This year’s event will feature many of your favorites:

Cocktail Hour with live music on the Van Go Curve at 7th & New Jersey
Dinner indoors, catered by our friends at Merchants Pub & Plate
Live auction full of Van Go art, unique experiences, and custom artwork from regional artists
The opportunity to support Van Go’s mission: to inspire young lives through art, work, and community

Returning this year: a silent auction full of local goodies and more must-have packages you won’t want to miss.

Location: Van Go, 715 New Jersey Street
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Attire: Fun cocktail party

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW THE LIVE AUCTION CATALOG

Adornment 2024
2024-11-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us for Adornment, Van Go’s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale! Shop all the artwork crafted by Van Go’s Apprentice Artists– prices start at just $3!
Opening night celebration: Saturday, November 30 at Van Go. Come celebrate our young artists and enjoy a short program– shopping starts immediately after the remarks!
Shop online 24/7 for ornaments, card packs, magnets, stickers, and Van Go Swag. New items for this year available beginning 9am on Monday, December 2!
Interested in one-of-a-kind artwork by Van Go youth? Shop in person during our gallery hours from November 30 – December 19.
Weekend Hours:
Saturday, November 30, 7 PM – Opening Night
Sunday, December 1 – Gallery Open 1-5 PM
Saturday, December 7 – Gallery Open 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, December 8 – Astra Art & Makers Market 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday, December 14 – LOLA Giant 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, December 15 – LOLA Giant 11 AM – 3 PM; Gallery Open 11 AM – 5 PM
Weekday Hours:
Mondays – Gallery CLOSED
Tuesdays- Fridays – Gallery Open 1-6 PM
Thursday, December 19 – Last Day to Shop the Gallery! Open 1-6 PM.

Good to Go Sale
2025-03-21 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-22 08:00 - 13:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Your chance to get amazing Van Go gear at a discounted rate!
Come shop our Good to Go sale, full of Van Go art, furniture, supplies, and more. Help us clear our shelves to make way for new Van Go creations!
Friday and Saturday, March 21 – 22, from 8 am to 1 pm at Van Go, 715 New Jersey St.

Van Go Presents: Final Fridays!
2025-04-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us as we usher in our inaugural event this Final Friday! We will be celebrating Van Go youth at their opening reception for their group art show! The reception will be held in our gallery on Friday, April 25th from 5pm-8pm. There will be light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Celebrate Lawrence youth and their artistic talents!

May Day Hey Day
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
May Day Hey Day – a community celebration of all the ways we Go Healthy!
May Day Hey Day is a FREE, family-friendly event at Van Go with music, healthy snacks, activities, information, and community building.
Join us at Van Go, 715 New Jersey St, on Saturday, May 3 from 9AM – 12PM. We’ve invited community partners to join us in raising awareness of all the local resources available for mental health support, healthy minds and bodies, and a stronger community.
Community partners include:

#Be More Like Claire
DCCCA/Engage Douglas County
The Anxiety Center at Renew
Lawrence Police Department
Cycle Works
Lawrence Parks & Recreation
Just Food
Headquarters KS
Heartland Community Health
The Ballard Center
Visiting Nurses Association
The Willow
Midland Care Connection
K-State Research & Extension SNAP Education
Douglas County Sheriff’s Department
Bert Nash
Be SMART for Kids
Lava Yoga
…and more!

JAMS Mural Artwork Unveiling
2025-05-07 17:30 - 18:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us as we unveil the Spring JAMS mural artwork to be used in wrapping the Van Go van! We’ll have light snacks and refreshments and will get an up close look at the artwork created by this Spring 2025 JAMS apprentice artists! The event is from 5:30-6:30pm on May 7th at Van Go, Inc.

The Arts Train Spring Mural Unveiling at GPW & Associates
2025-05-23 17:00 - 18:00 | KS
Join as we celebrate the unveiling of the mural painted by The Arts Train for GPW & Associates! This ribbon cutting ceremony will provide a chance to get an up close look at the mural installed on the Eastern side of GPW & Associates’ building. Let’s congratulate the collective work of these apprentice artists and enjoy some light snacks and refreshments on May 23rd 5:00pm – 6:00pm at 1001 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Summer JAMS Begins!
2025-06-09 09:00 - 14:30 | KS
Summer JAMS kicks off on Monday June 9th, 2025! This involves our Benchmark program, Van Go’s annual summer program for JAMS youth, ages 14-18. Each youth is partnered with a client within the community – a business, individual, or agency – to design and create a custom bench.

Final Day of Summer JAMS!
2025-07-31 09:00 - 14:30 | KS

Benchmark Unveiling
2025-08-01 17:30 - 18:30 | KS
Benchmark Unveiling
The moment Summer JAMS has been waiting for! Time to rip off the sheet and unveil our benches to the clients. After our 8 week Summer JAMS program comes to an end we will commence the unveiling of each individual bench for the clients who commissioned them. JAMS youth have worked hard all summer creating prototypes, attending client meetings, and painting these one of a kind benches to be displayed throughout the community! To join our 2026 list and get your own bench, contact us@van-go.org
Doors open at 5:15pm
Official programming begins 5:30pm
*As this is an indoor event and will be well attended, we request no dogs or animals other than service animals be in attendance.*

Dinner on the Curve 2025
2025-10-18 17:00 - 20:30 | Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Tickets are SOLD OUT! We look forward to seeing everyone on the 18th!
Van Go, Inc. invites the community to join its annual fundraiser, Dinner on the Curve, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 5:00–8:30pm. This year’s celebration, themed “Creativity Takes Courage,” promises an inspiring evening filled with art, food, music, and opportunities to directly support Van Go’s youth programs.
Guests will enjoy a lively evening beginning with a cocktail hour outside, featuring cocktails crafted by Henry’s Upstairs and live music performed by the Jackson Graham Ensemble. The Silent Auction will open at 5:00 p.m. in the Van Go Gallery, offering unique treasures and experiences to bid on.
At 6:30pm, attendees will gather for a delicious dinner catered by Merchants Pub and Plate, followed by the evening’s program and Live Auction at 7:30pm, The Live Auction will spotlight one-of-a-kind household goods created by Van Go’s youth (Apprentice Artists), alongside works generously contributed by renowned local artists John Sebelius, Maya Amen, Lindsay Pope, and Jim Peterson.
Dinner on the Curve is more than a fundraiser—it is a testament to the power of community.
Event Schedule:

5:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction opens in the Gallery
6:30 p.m. – Dinner catered by Merchants Pub and Plate
7:30 p.m. – Program & Live Auction
8:30 p.m. – Event concludes

Browse the auction catalog to see all the exciting items and packages available in our live and silent auctions. There’s something for everyone!

PREVIEW THE AUCTION ITEMS

Last Day of JAMS Fall Session
2025-11-13 15:30 - 18:00 | KS

Adornment Holiday Art Show & Sale
2025-11-29 19:00 - 21:00 | KS
Join us as we celebrate and unveil all the artwork both The Arts Train and JAMS have been working so hard to complete throughout the year! Our annual Art Show and Holiday Market will debut at our opening reception on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at 7:00pm.
This is your chance to see what we’ve been up to all year and get your hands on some incredible handmade goods as this event will be our first night of shopping of the season. Gallery hours for shopping posted below.
This event is open to the public so please come celebrate, enjoy, and shop all the incredible items we’ll have for sale with items as low as $3. We will have snacks and refreshments to accompany the evening!
*This is a pet free event*
Gallery Shopping Hours:
November 30th-December 21st
Tuesdays-Fridays 1-6pm
Saturdays 10am-5pm
Sundays 1pm-5pm
Full Adornment Gallery Calendar:

Adornment Gallery OPEN for Shopping 1:00pm-5:00pm
2025-11-30 13:00 - 17:00 | KS

Adornment Gallery OPEN for Shopping 1:00pm-6:00pm
2025-12-02 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-03 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-04 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-05 13:00 - 18:00 | KS

Astra Art & Makers Market
2025-12-05 17:00 - 21:00 | KS
We are back!!! Please join us December 5th for an evening market from 5PM-9PM with 20+ vendors, DJ Candy Cane, Food and Cocktails!
