A lot of people were surprised by the announcement of an effort to turn the downtown North Topeka business district into an arts and entertainment district.
What? Topeka has an artist?
Well, yes, quite a few and, yes, some very good ones. I happened upon a book recently that points out that fact. It isn't a new book. It was first printed in 2008. And it isn't just about Topeka artists, but it points out how many really good artists call Topeka their home.
The book is "A Spring Day on the Hill — Art Inspired by the University of Kansas Campus." (A note of apology to my fellow K-State alumni — it may be necessary for me to say some complimentary things about KU here, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum.)
It's a beautifully printed book showing the work of artists — mostly Kansans — who attended a "plein air art event" on the KU campus on April 26, 2008.
The book explains that "plein air" is French for "open air," or painting or drawing done outside. Naturally since KU was involved, they had to use the French words. At K-State we probably would have called it "outdoor painting."
Anyway, by my count 16 of the 60 artists were from Topeka. Both the number and the quality suggest Topeka is enough of an art city to justify creating an arts district.
Since we Topekans don't brag much about ourselves as a people with any artistic sensibilities, it comes as a surprise to learn we are.
Topeka was represented in the book by such well-known local artists as Janet Bailey and Barbara Waterman-Peters, of course, but there were some surprises, too.
How many knew that Stan Metzger had given up real estate to become a full-time artist, and a darn good one? Just check out pages 22 and 23 of the book.
And Dr. Doug Frye made the list. What is it with doctors these days? Is a talent competition part of the application process for medical school? Why are some of our most talented graphic artists, musicians, singers and actors MDs?
On plein air day, the artists fanned out across the KU campus and found a lot of beautiful scenes to depict. Some used impression; some painted abstracts. But even the true-to-life works are better than photographs. They convey feeling, not just a view.
The plein air event and the book were joint productions by SouthWind Gallery in Topeka and the KU Alumni Association. Some copies of the book still are available at SouthWind at 3074 S.W. 29th for $35. Go by and look at the book. You will probably agree it's worth the money.
Mike Hall can be reached at (785) 295-1209 or mike.hall@cjonline.com.
Note: "A Spring Day on the Hill" is part of Travel Kansas Hot Deals - Save 20%
In partnership with Visit Topeka and Kansas Travel and Tourism we are offering special items featuring Kansas artists for a 20% discount!
SouthWindArtGallery.com
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