Phone-in Audio Tour of Topeka’s Civil Rights Sites

Topeka has so much history that it’s hard to know it all. I’m certainly no local history expert. I do consider myself a lifelong learner, and as such I’m excited about a recently launched Audio Tour about the people and landmarks that were central to city’s role in the civil rights movement.

Important figures and historical places, including Brown v. Board, are featured in the Audio Tour. Just dial (785) 338-4041. (Mom! Dad! Now’s the time to encourage those kids to play on your phone.) The messages are short and interesting. Some sites have additional automated phone prompts – more facts to feast on! Get in the car (or on your bike) and roll through the city on a historical fact-finding mission. The weather is great for it!

Capital Storm and Sunflowers by Michael Duane

While you’re out and about, take in some Topeka art. It's not an official stop on the tour, but there's always something to see at SouthWind Art Gallery, especially right no. The current exhibit pairs particularly well with local history. “Paint Topeka” showcases works from a plein air competition that sent about 50 artists into the streets to paint scenes of the capital city. See how artists depicted the Statehouse, which I learned was constructed in 1866. (Thanks Audio Tour!) Pick up a coffee table-style book to commemorate your trip and continue your learning at home.

Oh, I almost forgot. This post would not be complete without mentioning the awesomeness the of John Steuart Curry murals on the second floor of the Statehouse. "Tragic Prelude" is the centerpiece of the mural. It depicts John Brown, Bible in one hand and rifle in the other. The tour says it's one of the most recognized depictions of the abolitionist in the world. Definitely a must-see.

People like John Brown and Mamie Williams, whose story is also featured in the Audio Tour, sound like ancient history to young kids growing up today. (Just made myself sound old, didn’t I? Ooops.)  Even for adults, with all the modern day distractions, it’s easy to forget the city is home to some pretty substantial historical milestones. We shouldn’t, be forgetting that though. Now there’s a cool new way to learn or further understand some of the city’s ties to the fight for civil rights.

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

First Friday Nosh

I love First Fridays in Topeka, and many others have just as much fun as I do while out ArtWalking. We enjoy it for a variety of reasons. We love art (obviously) as well as hanging out with friends and by chance meeting an artist or two. One common agreement among First Friday-goers is the FOOD at the galleries is a must –almost as much as the free wine is. Have a nibble and maybe a little more while the ArtWalk takes you somewhere.

Hopefully it takes you to SouthWind Art Gallery, 29th and Oakley, to see the "Paint Topeka" exhibit before it's too late. The show will have you seeing Topeka in a whole new light. It features regional painters and works created from last April's plein air competition. It comes down at the end of October.

Also if you frequent SouthWind Oct. 5 and most First Fridays, you may remember the hummus that's part of the spread. MMMmmmm. A couple of people have asked me for the recipe now so I figured I would share it here.

So, enjoy. I hope it turns out as good as mine, and I hope you turn out for First Friday at SouthWind.

Hummus
Blend ingredients together in a food processor until at desired level of creaminess.
1 T garlic (or 4 garlic cloves)
3 T lemon juice
13-19 oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
2 T. tahini
3 T. olive oil
2 T h20
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. cayanne
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 roasted red pepper


 

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

Paint Topeka Gives Student Artist Taste of

Isabella Reed didn't think waking up before dawn on a Saturday morning sounded like fun. Yet some how Isabella's art teacher convinced her to scout out a spot in the capital city one brisk spring morning to paint. She was among 70 artists participating in SouthWind Art Gallery's "Paint Topeka" plein air competition.



The teen began painting her freshmen year when she took art class to improve her grade point average. Her art teacher Tiffany Pryor soon saw potential in Isabella's artistic talent. (The Highland Park teacher also has a painting in the exhibit.) She taught Isabella to see her own potential and helped her gain confidence in herself as an artist.

Her watercolor in the "Paint Topeka" exhibit has sold, but you can still see it at SouthWind Art Gallery now through Oct. 28, along with dozens of paintings that show a slice of life in Topeka. The exhibit features a range of artistry and features some of the best names in the region, like Debra Joy Groesser, Michael Duane, Cally Krallman, David Vollbract, Barbara Waterman-Peters and Becky Drager – mighty fine company for 17-year-old Isabella Reed to be in.

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

A Capitol Wren: "We Just Had to Have It!"

This here is a story of opportunities you just can’t pass up and how a series of those opportunities created meaning for a couple of Topeka citizens.

 First there's Naomi Cashman, a Topeka watercolor artist in SouthWind Art Gallery’s current “Paint Topeka” exhibit. If you’re in Topeka or have ever been, you’ve probably seen Cashman’s work: one of Topeka's landmarks, the wren at Huntoon Park.

The wren was constructed in 1932 for WREN radio. It was perched outside WREN in Tonganoxie, Lawrence, and then finally moved to Topeka. The radio station closed, so the bird had been in storage and needed repainted; Cashman and a friend were just the crew for the job. “He asked me if I would help paint it with him, and I jumped at the chance,” said Cashman, who used to sculpt and paint waterfowl. That was in October 2002.

When she heard about SouthWind Art Gallery’s “Topeka Paint-out” plein air competition, it was only natural to return to Huntoon and Topeka Boulevard to paint the wren, this time as a watercolor cityscape with the Capitol in the background. It had been 10 years since she painted the wren with her friend, now deceased.

While beautiful and bright, her work, titled "A Capitol Wren," an 18”X22” watercolor, didn’t earn a judge’s award; it did, however, win over Frank Chaffin, and as it turns out, that is more meaningful.

“We just had to have it. It will go in the studio,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled. I’m in disbelief I got to buy it, especially being painted by the woman who painted the wren.”

Chaffin had just re-launched WREN radio station, an oldies station housed in the Lazy Toad at Fairlawn Plaza Mall. "A Capitol Wren" had the nostalgic factor the general manager was looking for.

Cashmen is one of 70 local and regional artists represented in the “Paint Topeka” competition. Come in to SouthWind Art Gallery, 29th and Oakley, and see the show now through October.



Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

Our New House: Bare Walls to Beautifully Adorn

My new house came with a lot of bare walls. It is a much bigger space than my husband, Mike, and I had before. (“Buy larger than you need.” Ever hear that advice? Well, we took it.) Two walls in our living room remained bare as the furniture delivery men positioned the new couch. Now the living room, decorated eclectically with two Zac Barnes paintings, are signature stops on el tour de la casa de los Krings.

The fact that guests linger in our living room can be credited to the inspiring staff at SouthWind Art Gallery and the even-more inspiring artists the gallery represents. One such artist Zac Barnes is known for both his paintings of Kansas landscapes and his works featuring women and trucks, the latter of which style I prefer.

We own two Zac Barnes paintings, “Bazaar Winter II” and “Redline Decoupage.” Friends and relatives linger because the paintings are well-done and make a person think.

“Bazaar Winter” (46.5X59) depicts a winter-turned-spring scene of women bathers in a stream. The landscape spans from St. Louis to Bazaar, Kanas. “Redline Decoupage,” well, I don’t know how to explain. There’s a bull, a cat, a windmill, a serpent, woman (of course) serving up a pan of fried eggs, a woman with money on her lap, champagne and two devil cupids floating around – and somehow the subjects all tie in together for a very surreal yet cohesive experience.

It’s fun to show off the artwork, but really Mike and I sometimes just sit on our new couch and look together, converse. These paintings in our home have created moments of bonding and stimulated intellectual conversation.

While it’s cost prohibitive to move too fast too soon again, I’m ready and looking for my next purchase. Art collecting fascinates me more than it ever has. (Did you know that some art is looked at as an investment purchase?) Thanks to SouthWind’s owner Gary Blitsch for exposing me to the art gallery business, and more importantly to fine art representing the best of Kansas found in his gallery.

I’m proud to buy art in Topeka and my experience at SouthWind Art Gallery has changed my life and spurred on a love of art and art ownership in me and my husband. Plus, we just have a much more fun living room to hang out in.

Thanks for reading. Please come by the gallery to find out what's happening or check back here for online updates. What types of posts/topics would you like to see on this art gallery's blog?



Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

20th Anniversary Special: Get 20% off Framing

Come in for 20% off on Tuesdays through the month of August as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Framewoods in Topeka.

Have your art framed your way by our expert staff and receive 20% off the total order. Take advantage of this money-saving offer and spiffy up your home or office!

Owner Gary Blitsch purchased Framewoods in 1992 (he's the business' third owner). Gary recalls framing up art in view for passersby on 29th Street. When he spotted people looking, he would gladly respond by lifting up projects to show them through the storefront window. The "fishbowl" experience ended when Gary expanded the floor space and the business in 1997 to include SouthWind Art Gallery. Two lines of business + one location = a convenient experience for art patrons.

Framewoods stays open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, giving those who work during the day an opportunity to take advantage of the special.

Make sure you never miss out on specials and gallery exhibit changes. Subscribers to our e-newsletter receive periodic updates conveniently in their inbox. If you're not getting these money-saving updates, sign up here.

Framewoods, where excellence is an everyday experience.


 

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100. 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Open late on during Topeka's First Friday ArtWalk. Online at SouthWindArtGallery.com

 

What a Great Time To Be an Art Enthusiast in Topeka

My name is Lisa Coble-Krings. Off-and-on you can find me hanging out at Southwind Art Gallery, where I like learning about art & artists from Kansas. I’m a writer by profession, but I’ve not blogged much from my perspective, using my own voice. You see, I’m a multimedia communicator, and you may have watched videos I’ve edited and uploaded to this here website or photos I’ve shot for SouthWind’s Facebook page. I prefer to be behind the camera. Writing, like painting, is about putting yourself out there. I’ll try to provide some interesting tidbits about myself while I blog about being – for lack of better word – an understudy in the art business. I hope you read my blog posts. Here’s some extra motivation (a promise from Gary, the owner of SouthWind): Intermingled with my thoughts will be special deals for framing.

A little background on me: I’m a supporter of the arts, always have been. However, most recently my passion for and interest in art has been reignited thanks in large part to encouragement from and friendship with staff at SouthWind Art Gallery. Thanks for letting me use your site to contribute to the dialogue about art in Topeka. My passion for the arts is also fueled by recent cuts to state art funding. I dabbled in art throughout high school, and people who knew me growing up always knew I’d be surrounded by art - and cats, as a random matter of fact. (I own 1.) I love spending time in galleries and museums. Being around art is like an oasis and always takes my mind off of any trouble or stress in my life.

Why do I hang out at SouthWind? SouthWind Gallery is quintessentially Kansas. It’s an amazing space, so open and airy. There’s an unexpectedness here. I can look on the wall, see a wonderful painting and it could be gone the next time I come in. This is one cool business. I’ve never been that fond of sales, but the staff at SouthWind don’t come off as pushy salespeople. Gary’s in the business of building relationships, and he knows almost everyone who comes in. (If he doesn’t know you, he or his staff will get to know you.) It’s intriguing what propels people to come in the door - a painting for the new house, redecorating after a divorce, a rare print to get framed, heck, I’ve even been to a poetry reading at SouthWind. What will bring you in?

Maybe you’ll come in just to tell me you’ve read this here blog. Hint: I’m usually around during Topeka’s First Friday Artwalk and some Saturdays. Another hint: It’s a great time to visit SouthWind right now because the latest exhibit features Masters of the Midwest, including a new work by one of my favorite artists, Stan Herd. I’m also impressed by a painting of Anthony Benton Gude’s, the grandson of Thomas Hart Benton. There’s a Jim Cook and Debra Clemente that I’m fond of – so many good artists to talk about. That will have to wait for another day. Come into SouthWind and see the best of Kansas and Topeka reflected through paintings

I’m proud to be a patron of the arts in Topeka. It is a great arts town.
~ lck

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!  Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind Gallery Gift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.   

Call for Entries and Prospectus Paint Topeka

SouthWind Gallery Announces the “Paint Topeka” Art Competition

Entry Deadline: April 13, 2012
SouthWind Gallery is organizing a juried art competition with cash prizes for the first, second, and third place winners. The competition is a one-day paint out which will take place on April 28, 2012, in Topeka, Kansas. The required subject is any aspect of Topeka,. The winning artwork selected by the jurors will be exhibited and available for sale at SouthWind Gallery from September 7, 2012 through October 27, 2012. Entry form here.


Awards and Book PublicationCash Prizes:
First Place $ 500
Second Place $ 250
Third Place $ 100

In addition to the exhibit, SouthWind Gallery will publish an art book that will feature the winning art and all artwork chosen by jurors. A brief bio and a photo of each artist also will be included in the book. The first available date for purchase of the book will be September 7, 2012, on the opening date of the exhibit.

SubjectThe submitted artwork must draw its inspiration from the city of Topeka, Kansas. Any aspect of the city including but not limited to: landscapes, nature, architecture, businesses (exteriors and interiors), historical landmarks, parks, or other features of the city. (Maps of Topeka may be downloaded from the Visit Topeka web site,
www.visittopeka/us.com, or picked up at the Visit Topeka office, 618 S. Kansas Ave.

The competition is categorized as a “plein air” event; however, participants are not required to complete their artwork onsite during the paint-out. Artists may sketch or photograph their subject(s) on the day of the event and complete the work in their studios.

EligibilityThe competition is open to all artists who create two-dimensional original works. Acceptable media includes: acrylic, alkyd, casein, colored pencil, gouache, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen, pen and ink, scratchboard, and watercolor. (No photography or computer-generated/enhanced art will be considered. If you have questions regarding media, please contact SouthWind Gallery.)

Fees and Payment – Entry Deadline: April 11, 2012Important: All entries must received by April 11, 2012

Early Entry Fees Total entry limit is 2 per artist)
$40 (for 1 artwork)
$50 (for 2 entries)

Student Discount: (Full time high school or college level students)
$20 (for 1 artwork)
$25 (for 2 entries)

Late Entry Fees (Please note: There is an additional $10 fee charged for late entries.)
Entries will be accepted on the day of the paint-out, but payment must be a personal check or cash. Credit cards cannot be accepted for late entries.
Late Entry Fees:
$50 (for 1 artwork)
$60 (for 2 entries)

Method of Payment:
Check or Money Order: Make payable to: SouthWind Gallery
Credit Card: If paying with a credit card, you may use
PayPal® User ID: entry@southwindartgallery.com
· Do not send cash

Send Payment to:

E-mail:
Entry@southwindartgallery.com

U.S. Mail:
SouthWind Gallery
Paint Topeka
3074 SW 29th
Topeka, KS 66614


Entry Specifications and Format – Required Artist Information due May 12, 201
Important: You must submit your artwork by this date to be eligible for inclusion in the Paint Topeka art book.

· Selection will be made from digital images only in JPG format. Digital files may be generated by scanning or high quality digital photography of the original art. Note: Quality is extremely important. This is the file from which your entries will be judged.*
· Digital Images. Images may be e-mailed or sent on a CD to SouthWind Gallery. Artist must complete entry form and submit with images. Entry forms may be completed online and e-mailed to SouthWind Gallery or downloaded and mailed with the CD.
· File should be full image only. Artwork should fill the image area of the digital file as completely as possible. Make sure the artwork is the center of attention when it is shown on the large monitor for judging. Frame, mat, easel, fingers, etc., should not show in the digital image.
· File size. Artwork file size should be 3,000 pixels maximum width in either direction
· Computer Color correcting. Color correcting will only be allowed to accurately represent the original art in color, contrast, saturation, etc.
· Artist Photo and Bio. In anticipation of acceptance and inclusion in Paint Topeka art book, entries must include: (a) digital photograph of the artist (head and shoulders shot), and (b) an artist’s biography (300 words maximum)
· Include: name of the painting, size, and medium for each artwork submitted

*SouthWind Gallery recommendsArtPrintExpress, Topeka, KS, to digitalize your painting for this purpose. For more information contact: Michelle Levian, ArtPrintExpress. E-mail: http://www.artprintexpress.com/. Voice: 785.862.0736.


If submitting entry on CD, please follow these instructions:
1) Multiple entries should be submitted on a single CD
On the CD, include a text file with clear identification of each artwork submitted:
ü Image File Name
ü Artist’s Name
ü Title of work
ü Medium
ü Dimensions of framed work
ü Retail price
2) CD must be clearly labeled with permanent marker on the topside of the CD and should include the artist’s first and last name and the full of title(s) of the artwork. Please do NOT attach paper labels to the CD.
3) Include your entry form with your CD. We must be able to match your entry form with your artwork entries.

If submitting E-mail entry: Please send each image in a separate e-mail. Also, in the body of the e-mail, include the six artwork identification requirements as listed above for the CD.

Send to: http://www.Entry@southwindartgallery.com/.

Conditions of Acceptance
The following art delivery requirements apply:
· Delivery of original artwork is due on August 15, 2012
· Art must be framed and ready to hang with wire
· If mailing your artwork to SouthWind Gallery, do NOT use Styrofoam peanuts or packing pellets. Also, do NOT use wood crates for shipping.
· All shipped work must arrive prepaid and in reusable cardboard shipping containers (We suggest using the foam-lined strong box specially designed for shipping art.)
SouthWind Gallery reserves the right to reject any packages using unacceptable materials as described above or that create problems for exhibit hanging.
· Only original, two-dimensional art will be accepted
· Image size of artwork (excluding frame and mat) is limited to 720 square inches
Image size is determined by multiplying the horizontal and vertical dimensions
(Example: a 24” x 30” painting equals 720 inches)
· Works on paper should be glazed with acrylic only
· The overall weight of the artwork should not exceed 35 lbs.


JudgingArt accepted for exhibit will be selected by three. Jurors and will include one executive member from the following organizations: The greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Visit Topeka, and Downtown Topeka, Inc.

Notification of artists regarding artwork accepted for exhibit and art book:
Artists will be notified of the status of their art on June 5, 2012.

Sales and CommissionsAll selected entries must be available for exhibit and sale. Artists will receive a 50 percent commission on original work that is sold. Artists are asked to assign a valid price that reflects current market value for their work. Artists will receive $10 for each fine art print that is sold. Commissions will be paid by SouthWind Gallery within 30 days of the date of sale.

SouthWind Gallery will publish an art book that includes all art accepted for exhibit, as well as bios and photos of each artist. The book will be available for purchase beginning Sept. 7, 201. Artists will not receive commissions on books that are sold.

SouthWind Gallery also will publish fine art prints of select artwork from the juried exhibition. Artists will receive a flat $10 commission for each print that is sold. (See Copyright Agreement section for details.) The artwork will be professionally reproduced by ArtPrintsExpress of Topeka.

Limited Copyright Agreement – Book Publication, Print Sales and Publicity

SouthWind Gallery will retain the copyrights to artwork entered in this competition. IMPORTANT: Your paid entry and artwork submission in the Paint Topeka Art Competition is considered your acceptance of this copyright agreement.

SouthWind Gallery’s Copyright for the Paint Topeka Competition will include:
1) The right to publish all accepted artwork for a book to be sold through SouthWind Gallery and other select retailers.
2) The right to publish and sell fine art prints of accepted artwork from this competition through January 1, 2015.
3) The right to publicize the event through various media. The art and artists selected for this exhibit will receive publicity through the promotional efforts of SouthWind Gallery. In addition, the art will be available for viewing on SouthWind Gallery’s web site.

Insurance/Liability
SouthWind Gallery exercises the same care and respect for the art accepted for this competition as it does for its own property. However, SouthWind Gallery does not insure art while in transit or while being exhibited either offsite or at SouthWind Gallery. Artists must provide their own insurance.

To download a Paint Topeka Entry Form, click here.

For more information, contact:
SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th, Topeka, Kansas 66614
Voice: 785.273.5994
E-mail: Info@SouthWindArtGallery.com
Web site: http://www.southwindartgallery.com/

Gallery Hours: M-F, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 a.m.


Paint Topeka Art Competition Information
Paint out Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012

Registration & Check-In

Location:
You will be notified of the check-in location in a separate e-mail

Schedule:

6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Check-in & Late Registration

7:00 a.m. Artists’ Group Photo

6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Free Continental Breakfast

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch on your own

Dusk Paint-out ends



Paint Topeka Calendar
April 13, 2012 Entry Deadline

April 28, 2012 Plein Air Paint-out

May 18, 2012 Digital Images & Artist Information Deadline

May 26 - June 1, 2012 Judging

June 5, 2012 Artists’ Notification of work selected for exhibit

August 15, 2012 Art Delivery Deadline: (Original art)

September 7, 2012 Exhibit Opening & First Friday Art Walk

October 5, 2012 Exhibit & August First Friday Art Walk

October 26, 2012 Exhibit closes

November 15, 2012 Deadline for pick-up of all unsold artwork

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SouthWindArtGallery.com

Framewoods of Topeka Gift Certificate Cards make the perfect gift for any occasion! Gift certificates are good as cash for anything in the store — custom framing, gifts and even artwork at SouthWind GalleryGift cards may be purchased online or at the store in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.