Lawrence.com

It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, Lawrence was collectively worried about its arts scene. With six galleries closing in just over a year, our “City of the Arts” didn’t seem to be justifying its slogan. But new and unused spaces soon picked up the slack: DotDotDot, Lawrence Percolator, the Pig, and in the basement of the Casbah Market — Wonder Fair. The tag team behind this last art space—Eric Dobbins and Casey Millstein—sent us this look back on their first year as sometimes hosts to the Lawrence art scene.

Casey: So, Eric. It’s been an entire year since we last sat down to talk about what you’re doing down here at Wonder Fair. Hows it going? What’s new?


Eric: Wonder Fair has had a busy busy year, but it’s all been coming to a head over the past month. There was a Pizza Party and a Flight Capsule Launch. We’ve also started publishing ‘zines and releasing official Wonder Fair merchandise into the world. I’m very excited about the direction things are going.

You’re celebrating Wonder Fair’s New Year this weekend, and opening a new exhibition named “Thumbs to the Heavens.” What’s that supposed to mean?


“Thumbs to the Heavens” is a simple expression, in Wonder Fair’s voice, summing up the state of things down here. The show itself is the most true representation of Wonder Fair’s aesthetic. It showcases fine art pieces from artists who have been contributing to the gallery through smaller works, ‘zines, t-shirts, prints, painted nuts, etc. We’ll have work from many out-of-towners like Michael Sieben, Mark Tood, Esther Watson, Travis Millard, Mel Kadel, and Luke Ramsey, and Matt Furie. As well as number of in-town super dupers to boot.

What do you have on tap for the reception? Any awesome surprises?


It’s gonna be a real treat. DJ’s Candlepants & Gloria Vanderbuilt are keeping things rolling, with a performance by Drakkar Sauna at the end of the night. I’m expecting a little something from Asteroid Head Art Club, and I’m hoping that Aaron Storck will be able to read us some of his writing. But, at this point I haven’t heard back from him.

I remember you having a check list of your goals pinned to your celling just above your bed, hows that coming along?


I sleep on my stomach so I had to scrap it. I actually took it down and got the list tattooed on forehead backwards. I’m almost finished now.

Wonder Fair’s openings are always on fire, man! What’s your secret? Is there anyone whom you’d like to thank from the bottom of your heart for helping?


Yes yes, I always have a lot of help from many of my old friends. My girlfriend Crystal helps me set up and always helps out at the register and behind the bar. My pal Clint is the resident photographer, and took some great pics at the Pizza Party. A few of those are going up on Travis Millard’s blog on fecalface.com within in the coming weeks. Asteroid Head runs the security team, and everybody else knows who they are. Thanks guys!

In my opinion Wonder Fair is like two candy beans on a horse and buggy ride, what are you’re thoughts on that subject?


Yeah, I think that sounds fun. When do we leave?

What are some of you’re most futuristic plans for the future of Wonder Fair?


I’m really focusing on Wonder Fair’s merchandise and potential as a publisher. I’d like to put out some funny pages, make a nice coloring book, launch a new website, team up with Chomp Womp on our Science Fair, install a miniature golf course... this place can do about anything.