Kanza Giza, by Dan Coburn, courtesy TSCPL

Art Guild Gallery, The Topeka Art Guild & Gallery (5331 SW 22nd Place– Fairlawn Plaza)
“Wild Kingdom” A collection of member’s art including, paintings, drawings, photography, digital fine art, blown glass, ceramics, fine art gourds and jewelry with an animal theme. Opens August 6th, 2010 through September, 2010. Also featuring August Artist of the Month: Dorethy Hancock-Painter “Art has always been part of who I am. Music was my first love, and now I find
myself wanting to feast on other kinds of food for my soul.” Gallery will be open from 5pm-8pm

Artist Collection & Custom Framing, Fleming Place | Artist collection will show photography of the Flint Hills and new works by Merrilee Brandt

BA Designs 4119 SW Southgate Dr. | ”Creative Minds”  wear creative hats. Come see the artistic talents of local architects and designers from the Topeka area. Featuring works from…Jonathan Mahorney, Bill Sheahan, Jennifer Jones, Pat Tryon, John & Chris Grandmontagne, Zack Snethen, Grant Thome, Debi Ramlow, Lyndsi Cox, Jeannie Moore, Janie Stock, Angela Fankhauser, Christy Spena, Cindy Manry, Stacey Utech.

Beauchamp’s Gallery, Westboro Mart

courtesy Think Big Topeka on Facebook

Beauchamp’s Art Gallery Challenges Local Artists to Think Big! Beauchamp’s owner Bob Swain and Think Big guru Jarod Starkey joined forces to create this juried show challenging artists to create works that celebrated the beauty, vision and vitality of Topeka. The Think Big, Topeka exhibit showcases Topeka as a vibrant, dynamic and forward thinking community. As a result, 15 works were selected from the eclectic entries including paintings, photography, watercolor, computer generated work, and relief sculpture. Highest rated by the panel was a mixed media painting by Janet Bailey entitled Transitions. Other notable works include Downtown 6PM, an oil painting by Barbara Waterman-Peters, a photograph Wanamaker Crossing by Jennifer Somers & Foxy City an oil painting by Stella Robbins.

Blackbird Café at Fleming Place will feature new prints by Justin Marable

Burney Van Stone/Offices that work | Artist Nicole Thibodeau will be there to talk about her work, also showing watercolor and multimedia work from Santa Fe artist Patricia Trembley. BVS has also received a renewed collection of Persian rug primitives. Enjoy jazz with Los Angeles musicians while checking out a rare Vintage BMS Motorcycle.

"Running after January" by Stella Robbins, courtesy the Collective

The Collective, Westboro Mart | “Skywriting and Other Signs of Life!” Stephanie Munoz-O’Neil and Stella Robbins have paired up to make this a doubly special show! Part ethereal with a wisp of the spiritual, these new works which at first glance may seem to be from different planets, are big on sky and atmosphere. Even the figurative works are not without their backdrop of everyday skies from Kansas to Far-off Places known only in the heart.

DeShazer Studios will be kicking off the 2011 School Year by hosting art teachers from Shawnee Heights High School for the August First Fridays Art Walk. Showing will be Avery Ayers-Berry, Stephen Loy, Linda Nelson-Bova, Ryan Paget and Wendy Wheeler. A variety of 2D and 3D mediums will be represented. You saw the brilliant work of their students over the past year, now come out and see the teachers that instruct and inspire them!

The Fibre Gallery, located in the lower level of the Collective, 3121 SW Huntoon This exhibition space has expanded its selection to include weaving, “soft” sculpture and quilting in addition to works on silk and some apparel, such as scarves, tops and unisex shirts. This is a regional collection of artists’ work from Topeka as well as surrounding communities. Future exhibitions will include artists from neighboring states as well, and local fiber artists are invited to submit consignment work for consideration.

Firehouse #7, Huntoon & Oakley, will be featuring photography by Daniel Smith, and Codi Miller and paintings created by the Topeka Zoo elephants.

Glass Expressions, Westboro Mart Glass Expressions will be having their Annual Summer Sale with art discounted from 25% to 50% off. It’s a great time to plan ahead for that cold weather holiday gift giving time!

Maxwell Frederickson and Colin MacMillan of the Stringbucklers

The Haute Shop, Westboro Mart | It’s too hot for The Haute Shop to have glass blowing demonstrations this First Friday, but it’s never too hot to enjoy the Stringbucklers! Come on in the gallery for some cool sounds.

Hospice Care of Kansas, Brookwood Shopping Center, 29th & Oakley Featuring woodcarving by Aldersgate residents including a replica of the SS Jeremiah. Aldersgate Village resident Jim Bigham was in the U.S.N. Armed Guard stationed on the SS Jeremiah during WWII. In 1943, Jim was a signal man headed for the Invasion of Sicily when he came across a piece of timber he thought would work for a boat carving. It was not until 2010, sixty-seven years later, that Jim completed his replica of the SS Jeremiah.

African Masks by Dr. Bob Carey are also on display Dr. Carey and his wife LaDonna served under the United Methodist Board of Missions from 1950-1976 in Liberia, West Africa. Dr. Bob will have four traditional African mask designs including Pangwe, Mbanza and Wabembe.

Other notable works in wood include in the round woodcarvings by the late Dr. Cotton, including a life size carving of an American Kestrel along with smaller carvings of Cardinals, Northern Goshawk, Meadowlark and Pheasant. Relief woodcarvings by Wilma Carrick, Art Consultant at Aldersgate Village will also be on display.

Jayhawk Corner Café, in the Jayhawk Tower, 7th and Jackson | Come enjoy the work of David Horner, photography, and Renee Johnson, stainless steel art, while delighting in the tasty tidbits that only Scott & Truanna Nichol (who also own the Brickyard Barn Inn) can create!

Legacy Community Arts Center, 1315 SW 6th Street, Suite D | Featuring work by the Legacy Community Arts Center teachers and students.

Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University | Recently opened exhibits include: “Literal Abstractions” Stephen Johnson is a highly versatile artist whose visually arresting & conceptually rich body of work forges connections between words, objects & ideas and “The Art of the Robot”, works by regional and national artists using a variety of media.

Exhibits continuing to September 26 include: “Dali’s World” A selection of prints by Salvador Dali from the Museum’s Permanent Collection, “Recent Work”, Joelle Ford’s work finds new purpose for mundane and discarded objects, and the “Bow Tie Exhibit”, regional artists present their take on this fashion accessory.

The Art of the Robot - Family Day / courtesy Mulvane

Don’t Miss: Mulvane Art Museum, ArtLab Family Day Saturday, August 7, 1-4pm
*Explore The Art of the Robot exhibit!
*Meet Stephen Johnson, artist and Caldecott Honor winning author!
*Create your own Robot friend

Phoenix Gallery, Brookwood | “A Fond Farewell to Barbara Cleary” The no-nonsense personality of Barbara Cleary is aptly demonstrated in her straightforward paintings. A great admirer of Monet, and some of the California plein air painters, Cleary says “I try to push the color, and some of the principles involved in color theory, in the direction that I think these artists would have if they were still painting today”. Barbara Cleary was one of the original artists to show with Phoenix Gallery Topeka. Earlier this year, she passed away. In honor of her life and accomplishments as an artist, we will be featuring her oil paintings of landscapes, gardens and stunning still lifes. She will be missed.

Soho Interiors, Westboro Mart, 3129 SW Huntoon

Southwind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th | Opening Reception for a group show titled, “The New Impressionists” featuring works by an elite group of painters. The “New Impressionists” show includes three artists new to the SouthWind Gallery: James Pringle Cook and DeAnn Melton, Tucson, AZ; and Neil Patterson, Brag Creek, Alberta, Canada; along with three Kansas artists: world-renowned artist Stan Herd of Lawrence, KS, and fellow artists Debra Clemente, and Zak Barnes, also of Lawrence. The exhibit runs through September 15, 2010

Tinkham Veale Up/Down Gallery | Soon the school busses will be running again, and the Friends of Tinkham Veale’s TV Up Down Gallery wants you to come get educated about art.

Artists displaying at the gallery for the August 6th Exhibit include:

Joanne Altman and Jack Kaplan, Photographers
Shawn Beauchat, Artist
Dawn Blair, Art Jewelry
Ted Carter, Digital Artist
E.J. Drake, Photographer
Melanie Eyman, Painter/Artist
Allison Inge Trembly, Photographer
Jessica K. Price, Photographer
Marc Rapp, Photographer
Sarah Reynolds, Painter
Mary Robinson, Photographer
Doug Schema, Photographer/Artist
Donald Shea, Digital Painter
JD Stottlemire, Painter

TV On Stage will feature Ashely Bunyar and Lauren Buser accompanied by Jon Lothenore.

The Upstage Gallery 720 SW Jackson, Historic Jayhawk Theater | Share the experiences of The Immigrant Farm Workers movement by celebrating their life through art and nostalgia. Joe Rocha’s Familia Art and “The Legacy of Immigrant Farm Workers of Mexico” will be on display August through September 2010.
Also featuring local artists- Freestate Glass, Christopher Sudduth, Richard Nelson, Beth Cain, Patricia Kovulchuk, Blue Ribbon Photography, Mary Anderson, Tammy Patterson, Bill Sheehan and Heidi Wise. Gallery will be open for First Friday Art Walk from 5pm-9pm

Warehouse 414, 414 SE 2nd  | Art enhances all our lives, but for children with mental illness, it can be a window into the joys and setbacks they experience. Unique artwork created by 17 tremendously talented Family Service & Guidance Center clients will be on display at FSGC’s Works of Heart First Friday Art Walk stop at Warehouse 414 on August 6th. The ArtWalk exhibit is one of a series of special events recognizing the young artists, culminating in the Works of Heart Art Event and Auction, Friday, August 20th, at the Washburn University Union Ballroom. For more information, contact Kerrice at 270-8996 or kmapes@fsgctopeka.com.

The Woodward Inns on Fillmore, 13th & Fillmore | The Max Gallery at the Woodward Inns on Fillmore and, Polish Pottery at The Woodward. The Max Gallery is currently featuring the art of ESU professor, the late Richard Stauffer glass blower, sculptor, and amateur archeologist. The Max Gallery at the Woodward Inns on Fillmore occupies the main floor of The Woodward Max. Polish Pottery will be exhibited at The Woodward.

[August 2010 | compiled by Kathy Smith | photo (top) "Scream" by Stephanie Munoz - O'Neil / courtesy Collective Gallery ]
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“I had seen how the arts movement was already changing attitudes about Topeka.  I thought, why not create a project that joined the arts with Think Big Topeka?” said Swain.

Swain contacted Think Big Topeka co-founder Jared Starkey and floated the idea of doing an art exhibit with the theme of “Think Big Topeka.”

“Think Big Topeka wants to encourage people to have conversations about the future of Topeka. We’re happy to see businesses doing their part to encourage forward-thinking as well,” said Starkey.

Swain put out a call for artists to submit work for the show.  He wanted Topeka artists to create works that celebrated the beauty, vision and vitality of Topeka.

"Downtown 6 PM" by Barbara Waterman-Peters

An impartial panel of judges was assembled to determine which artworks would be included in the show.  The judging results produced an eclectic range of works including paintings, photography, watercolor, computer generated work and relief sculpture.   Highest rated by the panel was a mixed media painting by Janet Bailey titled “Transitions.”

Transitions, by Janet Bailey

Other notable works include “Downtown 6PM,” an oil painting by Barbara Wateman Peters, a photograph “Wanamaker Crossroads” by Jennifer Somers and “Foxy City,” an oil painting by Stella Robbins. From all of the entries, 15 artworks were selected for inclusion in the show.

Foxy City, by Stella Robbins

The Think Big Topeka show will open in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, tomorrow evening.  The community is invited to visit with the artists at the gallery from 6-8 PM.  The Westboro Artwalk will feature live bluegrass music at the Haute Shop, jHP advertising and sidewalk chalk for kids to create messages to Google and show how they “think big.” The exhibit will remain on display at Beauchamp’s through September 22.

Beauchamp’s is located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart.

[ August 2010 | press release | photo (top) "Wanamaker Crossroads" by Jennifer Somers ]

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But first things first: a yarn store! A local sewing shop! A Greek restaurant?

The storefronts at 5th and Washburn have been targeted by Karen Hiller of Central Topeka Turnaround Team, plus a few dozen interested Topekans who want to see the mostly-abandoned shopping center, well, turned around.  The revitalization efforts will focus on what is affectionately referred to as The Fiber Arts District.

“So often one area is built up – like Wanamaker – only to bring down another area,” Karen pointed out.  “What we discussed for this area is creating an original set of businesses – what is it that we don’t have in Topeka?”

The team hopes to draw in prospective business owners – fabric and sewing shops, yarn stores, and other craft-centered vendors. These are the kinds of businesses that crafty Topekans already frequent, but they’re handing over their money to corporate businesses or driving to other cities for supplies.

“Everywhere I’ve ever lived has had a local yarn shop, but I moved to the capital city and there’s just nothing here,” Elaine Becker pouted. “I’m stuck driving to Wamego for good yarn.”

It will be a while before these crafting-excursions can be eliminated – the project is still somewhat in a conceptual stage.

“We wanted to create a theme that will fill up the spaces but still reflect the nearby neighborhoods of Kenwood and Potwin,” said Karen.

The fiber arts shopping strip would ideally be a resource for Topeka crafters to find all of their supplies from local vendors, drink a latte and pick up some organic bananas (from the already well-established Topeka Natural Foods Co-op) – and all within walking distance.

It’s a tall order, but, as one man pointed out, “Lawrence wasn’t always an arts town.”

There is a lot of support behind the movement.  Each of the three-dozen attendees who met in one of the abandoned stores last month added their voices to an excited blend of hope and determination.  These members included interested inhabitants of the nearby neighborhoods of Potwin and Kenwood, those looking to open or frequent a business, and several very enthusiastic people in favor of opening a Greek restaurant.

“There’s no Greek restaurant in Topeka,” one man pointed out wistfully.  “I just want a gyro.”

First on the agenda is reworking a confusing intersection to make it safe for driving, transit, biking, and walking – as well as making it eye-catching.  Next, revamping those five empty, cobwebbed shops into a bustling arts district.

Those interested in getting involved, attending meetings or keeping in-the-know can contact Karen Hiller to join the email list (khill@cox.net).

[ seveneightfive July 15 – Aug 31 | Melissa Sewell | photos by Brie Martin
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“We plan to recycle, compost, use compostable containers and rely on local produce whenever possible,” she enumerates.

The Blue Planet, which will soon share the historical Thacher building on 8th and Kansas Avenues with production company Gizmo Pictures, will cater to vegan, vegetarian, carnivorous and gluten-free clientele.  Owner Linda Carson also hopes to fully utilize the massive, renovated space by offering meeting places, poetry readings, yoga classes, local authors’ books for sale, children’s tea parties and puppet shows, along with anything else that strikes her fancy.

The artists’ works will line the walls of the cafe, for sale or for admiration, for the first month after the Blue Planet’s initial debut. Carson requests that works be submitted by mid-August for consideration.

Interested artists should submit up to three pieces by email attachment or portfolio link to Sarah Carson at srosecarson@yahoo.com.  She can be reached for more information by phone at (785) 220-0899.

[ July 2010 | Melissa Sewell | logo contributed ]

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“Convergence: Artists Capture the People, Land and Strength of Kansas”

Convergence explores the recent efforts of three distinct Kansas artists—Louis Copt, Daniel Coburn and Jim Brothers—whose work embodies much of what we love about our home state: the great expanse of native landscape, our rich history and ongoing narrative.

courtesy TSCPL

But it is also about friendship. As the relationship between these artists grows, so does their work. Copt and Coburn, known primarily for painting and photographing the vastness of natural Kansas space and the passage of time, are experimenting with figurative work and collage. Brothers, whose life-size sculptures tell the story of Kansas and its role in the evolution of our nation has developed a taste for assemblage.

For the first time, Copt, Coburn and Brothers converge as friends and visual storytellers and showcase the new, exciting directions their work is taking.

Art Guild Gallery

Featuring July Artist of the Month: Angela Lexow – Fine Art Gourds

“I have been told that my gourd pieces resemble pottery or artifacts, and while I am influenced by history and various cultures, my gourds are first inspired by some unique aspect of the gourd itself. By using the innate qualities, I am able to enhance their natural beauty.”

And “Monochromatic Moods” (a color scheme limited to variations of one hue, a hue with its tints and/or shades.) carries over through July, 2010.

Beauchamp’s Gallery

“Rodney Troth: Windows and Stratas”

Early on, Troth’s paintings were greatly influenced by his mentor Sudlow- they looked and felt so much like Robert Sudlow paintings that many viewers could not distinguish between the works.  In recent years however, Troth has expanded beyond traditional landscapes to more abstract paintings.  First came his “strata” paintings- loosely formed ribbons of color indicating land, water, sky and clouds.  More recently, Troth has  introduced a “window” series of paintings- bold window-like markings through which are seen colors and feelings inspired by the prairie.  It is a combination of both window and strata paintings that form this year’s exhibit.  This evening, Troth will greet the public at the gallery from 6-8 PM

Burney Van Stone/officesthatwork

Artist Rich Thibodeau will be here to talk about his work and a new collection of Persian rug primitives that are very unusal.  Katie Wood’s Topeka High students will be painting during the evening to Jazz music. For motorcycle lovers, an over the top cycle from Midwest Custom Cycles is a special feature.  For culinary art lovers, middle eastern food will be the featured cuisine of the evening.

The Collective

Gweneth McClain’s “New Works: Landscapes”

McClain’s work responds to the mistreatment of our environment by looking back at the beauty we are losing.  These watercolors are so delicate as to be whispers from the earth.

Also take time to view new photographs by Greg Nelson, new drawings by Jeremy Mohler, and a surprise homage by Larry Peters to a well-known painter.  We welcome back the lyrical work of Stella Robbins, always a treat!

Classic Bean in Fairlawn Plaza

“Landscapes and Florals” work by Beverly Dodge Radefeld and Naomi Cashman.

Firehouse #7

The Firehouse will be displaying our antiques, plus photography by Keith Czechanski. Also enjoy landscape and portrait paintings and abstract pastel work by some very talented VA hospital patients.

Mulvane Art Museum

courtesy Mulvane

Continuing exhibits include “Dali’s World”, “Reinventions: Joelle Ford”, The Bow Tie Exhibition, “Literal Abstractions” work by Stephen Johnson, and “The Art of the Robot”.

Soho Interiors

Featuring glass work by Kymm Hughes, photography by Sarah Hamlin, and work by Stephanie Munoz-O’Neil

Tinkham Veale Up/Down Gallery

Featured artists:

Joanne Altman and Jack Kaplan, Photographers

Ted Carter, Photographer

EJ Drake, Photographer

Melanie Eyman, Photographer/Artist

Allison Inge Trembly, Photographer

Marc Rapp, Photographer

Sarah Reynolds, Painter

Mary Robinson, Photographer

Doug Schema, Photographer/Artist

Jennifer Somers, Photographer

JD Stottlemire, Painter

Downstairs, The Break Room will be featuring the talents of Jon Lothenore,
Andrew Reynolds, and others.

The Upstage Gallery at the Jayhawk

Featuring “Blue Ribbon Photography” of Doug Bueler and Steve Mckinley, fine art photography of Rachel Burton, and beautiful wood sculptures from Christopher Sudduth through July, 31 2010 Also featuring local artists- Freestate Glass, Richard Nelson, Beth Cain, Patricia Kovulchuk and Heidi Wise.

Warehouse 414

The paintings and photographs of Topeka artist Rod Seel. Known regionally for his Kansas landscapes, Seel’s work is also found in public and private collections around the world.

Works by Kyler Thomann, Warehouse 414

For the “young artists’ review” Kyler Thomann is a recent graduate of Lawrence High School, where he was involved in filmmaking. His future plans are to attend Eckerd in Florida and minor in art.

The Woodward Inns on Fillmore

Include work displayed at The Max Gallery at The Woodward Inns on Fillmore as well as Polish Pottery at The Woodward.

[ July 2010 | images special to seveneightfive ]
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With a closer look, the viewer can discern Chinese characters marked out on the base. Contained within the sculpture is a message to the American people, one that is soon to radiate from Topeka to the rest of the nation and beyond.

Artist Master Ye Yushan created the sculpture as part of a 30 year commemoration of diplomatic relations between China and America. It is a massive symbol of peace and friendship between two nations which oftentimes hold different values, yet have overcome these disparities to present an example of respect for humanity and progress toward international peace.

“Lantern Light” came to be placed in the landscape of Topeka’s Washburn University by a fateful set of circumstances.

One of Ye Yushan’s students and nationally lauded sculptor, Kwan Wu, of Olathe, was instrumental in bringing the sculpture to Topeka.

“The sculpture we have was supposed to go to San Francisco,” said Kathy Smith, executive director of ARTSConnect Topeka.  “But they didn’t get their paperwork done in time.”

Kwan Wu stepped in to advocate for the sculpture being placed in the Kansas capital, and Norton Bonaparte, city manager of Topeka, completed the necessary paperwork quickly, stating, “We would be  proud to accept it.”

The next step was to fund the sculpture’s installation and to find a location. A committee was appointed to raise the necessary funds and procure the place.

“It was kind of a rock star committee,” Smith said of the group’s success in achieving those goals.

Jim Ogle, WIBW-TV general manager, Doug Kinsinger, president of the Topeka Chamber, Kwan Wu, John Fager, vice president of Corefirst Bank and Olivia Simmons, president of Visit Topeka, Inc. all rallied together, with significant help from Smith and Gary Blitsch, owner of SouthWind Gallery, to ensure the success of the sculpture’s relocation and dedication.

All of their efforts have paid off, and this Tuesday, June 15, the formal dedication of the sculpture is set for 11 a.m. on the lawn of the Northwest Corner of Henderson Hall at Washburn University.

Smith has high hopes for the dedication ceremony.

“I hope a lot of people come,” she said. “Just because – the sculpture dedications that have happened in larger cities draw a big crowd, and I hope we see an even bigger crowd here in Topeka. Those bigger cities have stuff like this happen all the time, and we’re kind of the little guy saying, ‘We can do this, and we can do it better.’ ”

The transport and installation of “Lantern Light” was no simple affair.

“It traveled by ship, train and semi truck, because it weighed a couple tons,” Smith said.

It arrived in several pieces, and Greg Inkmann, who cares for sculptures on the grounds of Washburn, and Jim Rinner of  JE Dunn Construction, the company in charge of the Capitol restoration, helped to assemble the important piece, which arrived on crates from China.

The base of the sculpture, with inscriptions - photo by jones huyett Partners | shot w/ iPhone for Facebook

The base of the sculpture contained a surprise to members of the group in charge of the sculpture’s care: a lengthy inscription in Chinese characters that needed translation.

The full translation, according to Smith, wasn’t completed until just yesterday.

Crates arrive by Semi from China | photo by jones huyett Partners | shot w/ iPhone for Facebook

A plaque is set to be installed beside the sculpture in the coming weeks with the full inscription, and won’t be available at the formal dedication Tuesday. But Smith provided us with an excerpt, written by Master Ye Yushan, which struck her personally:

Being an ordinary Chinese citizen, as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of China – U.S. diplomatic relations, I would like to extend my sincere greetings to the 300 million American people. Let us plant the seed of love, and cherish the flower of friendship that belongs to the people of China and the U.S.

“It’s really quite poetic,” said Smith. The other panels of the base have messages from the nation of China and signatures from many individuals, from doctors to artists to average Chinese citizens who were born in 1979, the year that began the 30 year history of peaceful relations between China and the U.S.

A group of Chinese delegates will be in attendance on Tuesday and will follow the dedication ceremony with a tour of the city. Other officials from the city, the state and the nation will be in attendance, including the Chinese American Association of Kansas City.

The sculpture will remain at Washburn’s campus for two years, and then will be moved to its permanent location in downtown Topeka.

“It will become a part of the new streetscape downtown,” said Smith. “Now that group that is working toward revitalizing downtown will have a pillar to work with. It’s kind of a beginning, something cool to add to what they’re doing.”

[June 2010 | Leah Sewell | photos contributed by Cheryl Logan/Downtown Topeka, Inc. and jones huyett Partners]

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Inheriting her father’s artistic ability and her mother’s eye for design, Shanon’s desire to create was not only inevitable, but also strongly encouraged from a very young age. After establishing herself as a promising creative student in high school, Shanon attended Fort Hays State University to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist.  She graduated from FHSU in 2001 with a BFA in Graphic Design, a passion for expressing herself in various mediums and an appreciation for minimalist design.

Shanon uses colorful backgrounds to draw the viewers’ eyes and minds to the simple beauty, promise and wonder of the natural world.  Her works attempt to capture the essence of each living subject in the hope that the viewers will appreciate the every-minute miracles of life, as well as the potential for harmony between the living and the land.

An illustration by Shanon Fouquet for seveneightfive magazine

Her works have been shown in exhibitions in Hays, Kansas City and Topeka, and the proceeds have been used to benefit such organizations as the Greater Kansas City Humane Society, Smoky Hills Public Television, The Topeka Battered Women’s Shelter and the YWCA.  Shanon is also involved in local art communities such as Chords & Oil and ReThink Topeka.

More of her designs and information about Shanon’s custom work, ranging from personalized invitations to conceptual, framed prints, can be seen at www.fookaDESIGNS.com or become a fan of her work at www.facebook.com/fookaDESIGNS.

At 10:30am on Thursday May 6th, 2010 at the Aaron Douglas Art Park (12th & Lane) in Topeka, the committee will unveil a series of Fouquet’s original designs which were chosen as the featured art for the 2010 Aaron Douglas Art Fair.

The 5th Annual Aaron Douglas Art fair will be held on Sept. 25th from 10am to 5pm.

The fair committee is currently looking for exhibitors. If you’re interested, visit their website www.aarondouglasartfair.com. The artist entry deadline is August 27, 2010.

The 5th Annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair will showcase diverse and emerging artists from Topeka and the surrounding region. The day long fair will also feature entertainment, food and children’s activities.

[text courtesy Aaron Douglas Art Fair | images courtesy ADAF/Shanon Fouquet | May 2010]

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ARTSConnect invites you to join them as they reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of the arts in our community.

Keynote Speaker:

Randy Cohen: Americans for the Arts

Randy Cohen is Vice President of Local Arts Advancement at Americans for the Arts, the nation’s advocacy organization for the arts. Randy is charged with ensuring that every community and arts organization is served by a local arts agency- and that every community in America is an environment where the arts can thrive.

Guest Speaker:

Jason Gage: Salina, KS City Manager

Jason will share the secrets for the success of this vibrant Kansas town that won the 2009 Arts Community Governor’s Arts Award, and was recently named “Best Kansas Town to Raise Kids” by Business Week magazine. Through coordinated effort and dedication to a cultural vision, the climate of support for the arts in the community reaches beyond city and cultural organizations and is truly integrated into the civic landscape of Salina.

Reception following. 

Thursday, April 8
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Hills Festival Hall
TPAC
214 SE 8th Ave

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Join us, and hundreds of Topekans, every First Friday of the month for the ArtWalk. Area galleries are open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. showcasing their latest art show.  Many offer small appetizers, desserts and drinks – making the experience a night on the town with art.  First Friday is brought to us by ArtsConnect Topeka.

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