Junior Girl Scouts, Jewish Congregation Brighten Downtown Lawrence with Murals

New artworks aim to raise awareness about local wildlife and community values.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-like illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a river otter swimming in a Kansas river, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that transforms the endangered animal into a modern pop art icon.A vibrant, pop art-inspired mural celebrating the presence of river otters, an endangered species found in Kansas waterways, aims to raise awareness about local wildlife.Lawrence Today

Girl Scout Junior Troop 2856 and the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation are collaborating on two new murals to liven up bland buildings in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. The scouts' mural will highlight the presence of river otters, an endangered species that many locals are unaware lives in the state. The congregation's mural will showcase the community's values and identity.

Why it matters

These murals represent grassroots efforts by local organizations to beautify public spaces, raise awareness about environmental and social issues, and foster a greater sense of community pride in Lawrence. Murals have become an increasingly popular way for cities to showcase their unique character and identity.

The details

The Girl Scout troop's mural will depict a family of river otters, an endangered species that inhabits Kansas waterways but is little known to many residents. The Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation's mural will feature imagery and symbolism reflecting the congregation's values and role in the local community.

  • The murals are scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2026.
  • Girl Scout Junior Troop 2856 began planning their mural in January 2026.

The players

Girl Scout Junior Troop 2856

A local Girl Scout troop in Lawrence, Kansas that is spearheading the creation of a mural to raise awareness about river otters, an endangered species found in the state.

Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation

A Jewish congregation in Lawrence, Kansas that is collaborating with the Girl Scout troop on a second mural to showcase the community's values and identity.

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What they’re saying

“Many people don't realize that river otters live right here in Kansas. We want to change that with our mural.”

— Samantha Rodriguez, Member, Girl Scout Junior Troop 2856

“Murals are a wonderful way for us to share our congregation's story and values with the broader Lawrence community.”

— Rabbi Deborah Goldstein, Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation

What’s next

The murals are scheduled to be unveiled to the public in a joint celebration event on Memorial Day weekend 2026.

The takeaway

These community-driven mural projects demonstrate how grassroots organizations can work together to beautify public spaces, raise awareness about important issues, and foster a greater sense of civic pride and identity.