Dishes include:

Gyros (He-rose): Grilled seasoned lamb sliced thin, wrapped in a pita and garnished with tomatoes, onions + Tzatziki sauce (special garlic, cucumber yogurt sauce).

Falafel (fa-LAH-ful): Deep fried patties made from ground chickpeas and fava beans.  Wrapped in a pita and garnished with tomatoes, pickles and Tahini sauce.

Souvlakia (soo-VLAH-kee-ah): Two skewers of chicken, green peppers and onions, marinated and flavored with Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection.

Kafthedes (kef-TEH-dees): Three lamb/beer patties with authentic spices topped with special tomato-based sauce, which is scented with mint, cinnamon, cloves, onions and garlic. Garnished with crumbled feta cheese.

Spanikopita (span-eh-KO-pee-tah): Famous Green spinach pie… Inside phyllo pastry is a blend of spinach, scallions, parsley, dill and feta cheese.

Dolmades (dol-MAH-dees): Tender grapevine leaves, stuffed with rice, ground beef and delicious spices and simmered in a flavored broth.

Hummus (HUM-ahs): Blend of chickpeas, sesame seed paste, lemon juice, garlic and Mid-Eastern spices.  Served with grilled pita bread brushed with olive oil.

Horiatiki (hoor-ee-ah-TEE-kee): Traditional Greek village salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, feta cheese and black Kalamata olives.  Topped with garlic, vinegar and olive oil dressing.

Also featuring Greek Pastries and Coffee

The Kafenion (Greek coffee shop) will be located in the church hall.  Stop by there to sample delicious Greek sweets like baklava paired with traditional Greek or domestic coffee.

[information and images provided by Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church]

[photos and information provided by Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church]

ArtMap_July2011

WESTBORO/MIDTOWN

Alice C Sabatini Gallery – Topeka & Shawnee County Library:

10th Annual Art Exhibit for Children: “One World, Many Stories,” photographs by Jim Richardson. Richardson is from Lindsborg, Kan. and is a National Geographic photographer.  Artwalk is 5:30 – 8:30 pm, the exhibit runs through August 12. This exhibit is supported by the Sabatini Family Foundation, the Library Foundation, and additional support from Epson Corporation. Unless he gets sent on assignment, Jim will be speaking about his art on Saturday, July 2, at 3 pm in the Marvin Auditorium at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. For more information, 785-580-4515.

Artist Collection & Custom Framing- Fleming Place, 4039 SW 10th

Celebrating Kansas’ 150th, Artist Collection & Custom Framing is pleased to feature the largest collection of Flint Hills and Kansas photography in the area. Photo artists include John D. Morrison, Wayne Rhodus, Jim Richardson, Brad Mangas, T. Anne Smith, Susan Dunnaway, Douglas Buhler, James Nedresky, William Utech, George Jerkovich and several others.

Beauchamp’s Gallery – 3113 SW Huntoon

“The Estate and Consigment Show” Beauchamp’s summer fare will consist of an eclectic mix of artworks from local estates and individuals. Included will be two dimensional works by Robert Sudlow, Joan Foth, Jerry Gaddis, Rodney Troth, Larry Peters, Parke Vawter, Helen Hodge, Randall Exon, Mike Henry, Charles Rogers and others. In the 3-D category will be antique china, southwestern pottery, and glassware by Jon Kuhn.

The Collective Art Gallery – 3121 SW Huntoon

“Jeremy Mohler: New Work.”

Mulvane Art Museum – Washburn University

“The Art of the Brick”, by Nathan Sawaya, LEGO® brick sculptorSawaya uses LEGO® bricks as a medium because he enjoys seeing people’s reactions to artwork created from something with which they are familiar. Everyone can relate to it since it is a toy that many children have at home. It takes weeks for Sawaya to complete a life size human form. The long hours of creating a new piece brings him immense satisfaction. Besides recreating objects and buildings, which he does, brilliantly, Sawaya uses the LEGO® brick as other artists use canvas, stone, or clay: to express himself and to challenge viewers to interpret his creations. His amazing “Red, Yellow and Blue” series explores emotion through the human form, reaching an artistic level not usually associated with a toy.  Read more from seveneightfive

Soho Interiors – Westboro Mart, 3129 SW Huntoon

Soho Interiors is proud to feature native Topekan, Eric Dreyer, who finds art where others may not think to look. Dreyer explains, “Concrete surrounds us on a daily basis but is given little thought. It’s merely a nondescript building material: cold, hard and heavy.”

Using concrete as an artistic medium, Dreyer began in the mid 2000s creating modern vases. Over the years his ideas evolved, causing Eric to formulate moulds and new techniques. On display for the first time is his concrete chair. Come learn more about this unique art form and appreciate a different medium: a minimalist, versatile and reflective redefinition of concrete. Also on display, works by Cherie Smith, r.martin designs, Ron Flier, Bobbie Rieger, Traci Osborn, and Mack Schroer.

St. Francis Health Center

“Hatred Continues: the Genocide Project” by Topeka High School’s Pre-Advanced Placement English 9 and Advanced Drawing Classes.

The Woodward Inns, 1272 SW Fillmore

Featuring “Tango Milonga” at The Woodward and The Woodward Max (across the street) will host a display of photographic art by Mary Robinson, a Topeka artist and photographic art on canvas by Michael Taylor, a Lawrence artist. The Woodward and The Max will both be open from 5-9pm.

WEST & SOUTHWEST

SouthWind Gallery – 3074 SW 29th

Continuing exhibit: “The Kansas-150 Juried Art Competition” features 150 original paintings and fine art photographs by 80 artists. Plus, exhibit opening and artist reception for Margaret Buie’s “Reflections II”

DOWNTOWN/NOTO

Blue Planet Café, 110 SE 8th

On First Friday we have High Falutin String Band playing. Goode Acres will be at BPC with organic produce, goat cheese, yogurt, herb plants and artist Sharon Fouquet is the featured artist.

The BreakRoom – 911 S Kansas Ave

The Friends Of Tinkham Veale are bringing the First Friday Art Walk to the stage and giving you delicious tapas menu to order from that is as artistically delicious as all of the beautiful art on display around the city. Make The Break Room your spot for dinner every First Friday. Reservations are recommended but not required and may be made by signing up through this link.

CoreFirst Bank & Trust Gallery, 828 SW Kansas Ave

Winning photos from the Friends of the Topeka Zoo Photo Contest held recently will be display. Photographers of various ages and experience levels were invited to submit photos in several categories including animal action shots, animal portraits, landscape, spring shots at the Zoo, and black and white photos.

The Eclective – 900 N Kansas Ave.

Featuring The Eclective Artists: Renee Johnson Stainless Steel Artist, Angela Lexow Fine Art Gourds, Cora Spencer Fiber and Textiles, Pam Renovato Digital Artist, and The Iron Florist Randy Fay. Also on exhibit guest artists: Jan Jennings Silent Film Stars Series, The Craftivists, and Jennifer Somers Photographer. Also featuring (a seveneightfive favorite) “Wine’s Monk” for entertainment.

H & R Block – 726 S Kansas

Featured Artist: Local photographers, Leigh Ann Wilbur, Jennie Stucky, Dan Mauer & Larry Mah

Hazel Hill Chocolate – 724 S Kansas Ave

Work of Jennifer Gillenwater will be featured. A busy mom, author, and substance abuse counselor, Jennifer occasionally takes time out to paint. She loves to share with others, so come see!

Kansan Grill – 705 S Kansas Ave

Photography of famous Kansans

Kansas Catholic Conference, 8th & Jackson

Located in the former rectory of Assumption Church, (8th & Jackson), the KCC will be exhibiting photographs by Greg Nelson of the Church of St. Francis of Asis in Taos, New Mexico.

Lloyd Zimmer Books and Maps – 117 SW 6th Ave

“Art of the Written Word”  Featured Artist: Lloyd Zimmer

Marion Lane Candles – 713 S Kansas Ave

Featured Artist: Marti with LeCat Designs, decorative art glass jewelry and Gil Rumsey (Kansas themed paintings) and blank note cards that are pen and ink sketches from the Topeka area by Robert Jones

The Merchant –913 S Kansas Ave

Randy Temple Altered cloth Studio great watercolor/textures. His artwork is on display & for sale. With a background in watercolor/illustration, Randy’s art changed dramatically in 2005, when he was introduced to textile/mixed mediaAlso henna temporary body art. Open until 8pm

NexLynx – 123 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 100

A resident of Topeka for the majority of her life, painter and photographer Nicole M. Maddox focuses her creative energy primarily on nature and abstract art. She works with both black and white and color photography and with acrylics in painting.

Studio 831 – 831 N Kansas Ave

Featuring works of Barbara Waterman-Peters, Michael Hager, and Lois Van Lieu.

Tinkham Veale Up/Down Gallery – 909 ½ S Kansas Ave

Come celebrate your independence and exercise your right to buy great art from local talented artists. Artists this month include: Dave Navarro Jr., Staci Dawn of Staci Dawns Light, Rhonda Morris Schley, Deb Herrick, Louise Neal Pedroza, Don Shea, (seveneightfive’s own) EJ Drake, Mary Robinson, Joe Cheray, Jim Sovanski,Doug Beuhler. Additionally, take a break from the heat and cool off at The Breakroom Metro Eatery for TV Onstage. Taking the stage for two sets this Friday are Jesyca Rodenberg, Greg Garcia and Daniel Kooser.

Two Day Monthly Market – 824 N Kansas Ave

Linda Humphries is best known for her impressionist Kansas landscapes, as well as her abstract concepts. Her preference is watercolor as a medium but most recently has experimented with acrylic. Humphries was raised in Topeka with strong connections to the farming community. Most of her time was spent in the country and much of her art work springs from memories of her Father’s creation of parks from scrub land.

The Upstage Gallery – 720 SW Jackson, Historic Jayhawk Theater

The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre collaborate artistically for the first time to present “History of the Cinema” A juried art show and competition to bring awareness of the Historical Jayhawk Theatre and to further its mission. This is the last opportunity to see the winners of this first annual competition. Prizes for overall artistic excellence were awarded: 1st place: Jan Jennings , 2nd place Keith Czechanski, 3rd place: Shanon Fouquet, Best in show: Randy L Roach, and President’s choice Renee VanGilder Johnson.

Warehouse 414 – 414 SE 2nd

“Vintage Art,” featuring some of the most important Kansas artists over the past 150 years.  A must-see show!

The First Fridays Artwalk is brought to you by ARTSConnect, Topeka’s arts organization

“One hundred and fifty year birthdays only come once in a lifetime,” said Kathy Smith of ARTSConnect, one of the organizers. “We knew that as the capital city, we needed to do something to celebrate.  A core group came together and realized that we could do something special for our community if each of us did something.  That is how the concept of Savor Kansas was created.  The original plan was to have events over a 4-day weekend, but once all of the people and groups who wanted to participate were put together, we ended up with a month-long celebration.”

The first event begins on Friday, May 27, with the Red, White and Blue Barbeque competition at the Kansas Expocentre, hosted by the Arab Swiners, the BBQ club of the Arab Shrine Temple. Events continue throughout the month, everything from a Negro Baseball League tournament, to a 24 hour playwriting festival, art exhibits, bike trail rides and Saturday tours with great titles like “For God’s Sake Take Cover!” and “Homegrown But Rotten Outlaws Tour”  Wrapping up Savor Kansas is an auction of the artwork selected to be a part of the Kansas 150 Competition at Southwind Gallery on Saturday, June 25.

Collaborators include: Visit Topeka, ARTSConnect, Southwind Gallery, WIBW-TV, Frye-Allen, The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, WIBW Radio, Warehouse 414, the Topeka Art Guild, the Upstage Gallery, seveneightfive magazine, Downtown Topeka, Inc., Kansas Network to Freedom,  Topeka Magazine,  Mulvane Art Museum, Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble, the Arab Shrine Temple  and many more groups and individuals.   For a complete calendar of events, go to www.savorkansas.com.

[logo by FryeAllen | contributed by Savor Kansas ]

Lake Shawnee | Monday, May 16 | TBones Baseball Game

Free artistic reign and a blank canvas are crucial elements in many artists’ quests to create a masterpiece. 13 miles of blank canvas may just be the pinnacle of every artist’s enterprise. With chalk as the tool of choice and a pavement trail as the canvas, Chalk the Walk provides the quintessential elements for every artist and budding artist alike.

The culmination of a class project, this inaugural event, scheduled for April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. to Noon, is a way to bring the community together in celebration of the iconic Shunga Trail.

“We want to encourage people to get out and be active and appreciate the Shunga for all it means to the community. It connects neighborhoods, it’s good for transportation, it’s a cycling route across the city, it leads to a healthier lifestyle,” said Karl Fundenberger, one of the five creators of the event.

Fundenberger, along with Amy Strathman, Brett Oetting, Chelle Decker and Don Rankin created the idea as part of their participation in Leadership of Greater Topeka, sponsored by the Topeka Chamber of Commerce. The five were paired on their combined interest in neighborhood revitalization, complete street issues and sustainability. The Shunga, traditionally known as a runner’s training ground of choice, a cyclist’s dream and a dog-walker’s paradise, seemed like the obvious place, with its path spanning through many of the city’s parks and recreational areas and connecting neighborhoods from Crestview to Oakland.

The event hopes to not only bring awareness to the Shunga and all of its appeal, but to “spruce” up the already beautiful trail with every shade of sidewalk chalk available.

Check-in will commence at 9 a.m. at the Crestview Community Center (4801 SW Shunga Drive) and participants will receive their chalk and be assigned a square. While Fundenberger adds that to cover the whole thirteen miles of the trail would be “wild,” the group is hoping that at least 100 squares will be completed by each individual or group that registers.

The trail will still be open during the event to runners, walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts and Fundenberger is hoping that the the cost (free) and the vendor booths and information that will be available about the community will lure participants straight off the trail.

“We’re really hoping for organic participation,” Fundenberger notes, “for people to see what’s going on and get interested.”

For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.chalkthewalktopeka.org.

[ March 2011 | Janice Watkins | Shunga Sign photo by Adam Koger | cross-posted to XYZtopeka.com ]

Imagine, instead of pulling up to the house in your car like every other year, you are ferried across Lake Sherwood, watching the colors of the sunset dance across the water while the boat sweeps across the lake toward the dock near the Showhouse.

That’s right, party-goers will have the option to arrive at the Showhouse by pontoon, weather permitting. However, for those landlubbers who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Showhouse organizers will also have shuttles to transport guests from designated parking areas to the party.

Several families living in the Sherwood community have generously volunteered their time and boats to make possible the serene ride across Sherwood Lake.

You can bet the pontoons will be decked out with fine decorations.

The $65 ticket price gets you admission, a first look at the redesigned house, fabulous food and drinks and all the merriment you could want. This year’s Patron Party, held April 15, is Caribbean-themed.  Suggested dress is party casual.

Contact the ERC office (785.357.5171 or email erc@ercrefer.org) for information about purchasing your ticket. Act quickly though, ticket reservations until April 12, 2011!

Learn more about the items being auctioned off at the Patron Party to visit their website.
Keep up with Showhouse info. on their new blog.

[Content provided by ERC Blog ]

Down in the Big Easy, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

If you’re not able to make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year, you can party with a purpose and attend the Cumulus Broadcasting Downtown Topeka Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday—March 8, 2011. The fun starts at 6 pm.

The Ramada Convention Center in Downtown Topeka will be standing in for Bourbon Street and individual tickets are only $50. That gets you some fantastic Cajun food, a chance to have your fortune told, bid on incredible silent auction items and dance to the music of Rosie Ledet, the Zydeco Sweetheart.

The money raised will help Downtown Topeka, Inc. put on community events in downtown, and recruit new businesses to the area. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Downtown Topeka, Inc. website at  and click on “Upcoming Events” or call 785-234-9336.  Facebook Invite

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

House cash prizes (unless noted at bar) include $50 for 1st place, $20 for 2nd and $10 for 3rd.

You can have as many people on a team as you like, but only one team per table and absolutely NO cell or laptop usage is allowed. (Thank goodness – this isn’t Google search trivia.)

Trivia starts at 9 pm but we advise you to arrive up to 30 minutes prior.

Where to play

Tuesday @ Old Chicago
1231 SW Wanamaker Rd
785.273.5522

Wednesday @ Quinton’s
4121 SW Huntoon
785.215.8172

Thursday @ College Hill
1616 SW 17th St
785.234.0700

Saturday @ Henry T’s
1521 SW 21st St.
785.233.9333

[seveneightfive Jan. 15, 2010 | Kerrice Mapes | image Challenge Entertainment Logo]

In one jam-packed room a tattoo artist, a belly dancer and a local jewelry artist all prepare to take the stage to showcase their talents. Think of it as an open-mic night, of sorts. An open-mic night on steroids – one that doesn’t force the showcasers to burst into song or read rhyming prose and one that comes equipped with a full bar.

Think of it as an event for local artists to come together and support and appreciate one another’s crafts. Think of it as a way for Topeka to illustrate that local artistry is “fine and thriving”, which is exactly what host and local artist, JD Stottlemire, had in mind when he originally conceptualized the idea.

“Fine and Thriving,” a weekly event held at The Break Room (9th and Kansas), hosts three to five local artists/musicians/dancers for a one evening show every Tuesday from 7 – 9 pm. It gives local artists the chance to take and share the stage with their counterparts across the artistry fields.

“I get very frustrated with the “you can’t do/find that in Topeka,” states Stottlemire passionately. “I felt, as an artist, the best thing I could do for the city was not to try to bring in outside artists or compete with my fellows, but to find a place where we could gather together.”

With the artists of Topeka whom Stottelmire finds awe-inspiring, he hopes to set the stage for others to join in sharing in his enthusiasm.

“Topeka rocks! It’s got so much talent,” says Stottelmire. “With the skill that lives in Topeka, we didn’t feel like we should just say no to anything until we’ve seen it.”

A contagious belief in Topeka and the artistry of Topeka is a goal of Fine and Thriving. With artists and art buyers typically moving Southwest to a more popular art district, the Topeka artist often struggles, according to Stottelmire, to gain foothold.

“What if we stopped and told the artist, ‘you are valuable here,’ told the buyer, “we make that locally”? Then everyone could see what we see – Topeka is a great arts community!”

Following the inaugural showcase on December 7, local artist Michael Allen was pleased, not only with the opportunity, but with the crowd turnout to the event.

“I was so excited to see a much larger crowd. It’s a great opportunity for people to come out and see some new and interesting artwork,” doted Allen. “I hope it [“Fine and Thriving] continues to grow and become a regular Tuesday night attraction here in Topeka.”

Growth is exactly what Stottelmire has in mind when he considers the future Tuesday night staple of Topekans attracted to new and different art forms. With a tattoo showcase, belly dancing and an independent film night a proven success in the few Fine and Thrivings already under Stottelmire’s belt, he is turning his attention to other art forms – ones that some people may not typically consider art, in the standard sense.

“Later we plan to host the art of the motorcycle, rap music, ice sculpture – you name it,” Stottelmire eagerly proclaims. “We believe in all artist in Topeka, not just ones who sell to narrowly segmented art and frame shops”

[seveneightfive Jan. 1, 2010 | Janice Watkins | photos by Adam Koger]

Fine + Thriving: Feb. 22, 2010 will showcase will feature  “Rebellyion: Art and Dance for IVAW” modern fusion belly dance by Rebellyious. There will be dance, music, and a silent auction to benefit the NE Kansas chapters of IVAW “Iraq Vetrans Against the War.” We’ll also have Chainmail jewelry by Unique Creations, Michael Allen and [seveneightfive own] Adam Koger photography.

A Toast to Kansas honors the breweries, wineries, fruit growers and agriculture producers that play a valuable role in our State’s history.

Organizers are asking that you join them on Kansas Day, January 29th, and share the pleasures of Kansas flavor and the excitement of our state’s future with a Kansas Toast.

U.S. Senator Moran, Kansas Governor Brownback, Speaker O’Neal, Senate President Morris, Minority Leader Hensley, Minority Leader Davis, other state leaders and celebrities will be leading citizens and guests in a Kansas Toast at gatherings large and small across the State.

There’s plenty to celebrate, and much to anticipate as we mark 150 years of Kansas statehood. So please raise a glass in tribute to the perseverance and pride of all those who have called themselves Kansans. Toast with a glass of Kansas beer, wine, or cider, and join others across the state and nation at 6 PM, appropriately at the start of another great Kansas tradition, the KU – K-State basketball game.

Here’s to Kansas. Savor the Kansas flavors and our remarkable heritage.

For more information about the commemoration, contact Chuck Magerl, cm@freestatebrewing.com (785)843-4555 or Phil Bradley, phil@klba.org (785)766-7492.

Sponsoring organizations include:

Kansas Viticulture & Farm Winery Association, Kansas Grape Growers & Winemakers Association Kansas Craft Breweries Guild

About Kansas 150: January 29, 2011, marks 150 years of statehood for Kansas. Kansas 150 is a grassroots effort among state agencies, communities, and individuals across the state to educate Kansans about their heritage and commemorate the 150 milestone. For more information visit www.ks150.org , a portal to events, programs, resources, and agencies that commemorate the anniversary of statehood Kansas.

Ben Blakely, Standard Beverage Corporation, has been working with local establishments to make sure the cheers happens in Topeka.  Local establishments participating in the Free State toast include:

• Quinton’s
• Weller’s
• College Hill Tavern
• Celtic Fox
• Frances O’Dooley’s/Lucky Dog’s
• Dutch Goose
• Reed’s Lakeside
• Bosshawg’s/Pigskin’s
• Club Orleans
• Oscar’s
• Henry T’s
• Jeremiah Bullfrog’s (both locations)
• Via’s

Hope to see you there, we’ll be giving you a big cheers with a pint of Tallgrass Ale.

**** Send your best Toast Photos to seveneightfive.  Upload them here