Signs of Life

Signs of Life occupies a distinctive space on Lawrence's famous Massachusetts Street, blending a bookstore with an art gallery in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The store opened in 2002 and has become a gathering place for Lawrence's vibrant creative community, which includes KU art and design students, working artists, musicians, and readers who appreciate the connection between visual and literary expression. The art and photography book sections are comprehensive, ranging from monographs to theory, and the rotating gallery exhibitions feature both local and regional artists. The design section reflects Lawrence's growing reputation as a center of creative entrepreneurship, and the literary fiction selection is curated by staff with genuine passion for contemporary writing. The cafe serves as an informal salon where creative conversations flow as freely as the coffee.