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.