First Friday: December 2019
Creations of Hope Gallery (727 S Kansas): In November, we will not only be celebrating the start of the holiday season with an open house, but with photography by Cathy Robertson. Come for the great decor options and stay to look at Cathy's photographs! FFAW hours are Noon-8p. Find us on Instagram @creationsofhopegallery.
Topeka Art Guild & Gallery (inside Fairlawn Plaza Mall): In collaboration with the guild’s Kansas Artist Show, works of art that were donated to the library by guild members many years ago continue on exhibit. These pieces show some of the art history in Topeka by artists who were founders of the guild. Stop by to view this wonderful exhibit. The Kansas Artist Show was juried by artist and educator Brad Le Duc. The following guild members received the following awards: Kathleen Cobb, oil, first place; Lin Fredericksen, drawing, second place; Ellen Duncan, watercolor, third place. Congratulations to these winners. While at the art guild gallery, vote for your favorite art piece done by a guild member and register your name for a painting by last year’s winner, Naomi Cashman. Join gallery artists for art, food, and drinks. The gallery is located on the west end of Fairlawn Plaza Mall. Regular hours are Weds-Sat from 11a-5p. FFAW hours are 5-8p.Find us on Instagram @Topeka_Art_Guild.
Matryoshka Tattoo (918 N Kansas): “A Journey Home, a Roaming House” series by Joey Embers, tells a story of growth, discovery, and the overwhelming emotions of self-worth. These works stem from the internal process of reflecting on life, examining who he is and giving himself permission to look inward. The artist’s goal is to eliminate the invasive nature of time. These houses are stuck in the forever moving landscapes of emotions. What happens when we hit pause? What happens when we take back time? Joey is able to live inside each moment and mark each moment with the creative process putting together the puzzle pieces of his art. This series maps his journey home, finding his voice through the fluid language of paint and color. Regular hours are Tues-Sat from 10a-8p. FFAW 10a-9p. Find us on Instagram @matryoshkatattoo.
SouthWind Art Gallery (3074 SW 29th): This November & December, we're focusing on the little things, showcasing works of art that are mini but mighty. "All in the Little Things" features more than 80 original works of art, all priced $25-250. Each piece is perfect for just one person at a time to browse, stop by and find your favorites. Free food, wine, and entertainment provided at the opening. We hope you'll join us! FFAW hours are 5-7p. Find us on Instagram @southwindartgallery.
NOTO Art Center Morris Gallery (935 N Kansas): On exhibit in the Morris Gallery this month is artist Lola Williams. Williams has a BFA from the University of Kansas and has been creating abstract paintings in her studio for the last 20 years. Primarily focusing on oils, watercolor and acrylic, her subjects often reflect natural elements such as woods, flowers, ponds and trees. The end result of her artistic interpretation usually lies somewhere between impressionism and abstract, with flecks of her subconscious peeking through. “Some call it unconscious art but I really believe it is an interpretation of something you have or are experiencing," says Lola. Regular hours are Thurs & Fri from 11a-5p, Sat from 10a-3p, 1st & 3rd Fridays from 11a-8p. Find us on Instagram @notoartsdistrict.
NOTO Art Center (935 N Kansas) featured artist is is Kathy Pflaum, a fiber mixed media artist. She started out as a traditional quilting artist and now does fiber artwork almost exclusively. She initially branched out with folded fabrics and some hand dyed fabrics. Today she practices a variety of fabric/fiber dying and printing techniques along with metal work to create her mixed media artwork. Pflaum’s work is also displayed at 39 West Gallery and Fire Me Up Ceramics. Regular hours are Thurs & Fri from 11a-5p, Sat from 10a-3p, 1st & 3rd Fridays from 11a-8p. Find us on Instagram @notoartsdistrict.
NexLynx Gallery (123 SW 6th, 2nd Floor): Devi Wilbur, an award-winning landscape and portrait artist from Niles, Kansas. She paints mostly in oils on panel and draws with pen and ink. She also works with acrylics, pastels, watercolor, pencils, and charcoal. Her 3-D artwork includes pottery and sculpting in both clay and stone. Get ready for the holiday season with some great gift ideas and delicious food that will make it feel like the holidays. FFAW hours are 5-8p. Find us on Instagram @NexLynxGallery.
Mulvane Art Museum (1700 SW Jewell): Join us for an opening reception of photographic works by the “Missouri Four” - Greg Booker, Michael Dickey, Steven Spencer and Gwen Walstrand. Their work explores the cultural, social and geographic landscape of the places they live and travel. All of the artists are from Springfield, Missouri, and although they know each other and have a shared interest in photography, their works vary in substantive ways. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served. FFAW hours are 5-7p. Find us on Instagram @mulvaneartmuseum.
Blooms on Boswell (1300 SW Boswell): Come check out our classic Christmas wonderland for First Friday, it’ll be open house style! We will have treats and a nostalgic Christmas experience. Our shop will be decorated with all things merry and bright (and corner displays of fall for the few still clinging to the season). This will be a sight to see, so bring out your family and friends! We’ll be hosting all weekend and hope to see you there. We have workshops you can sign-up for, decor, purses, earrings, and much more. FFAW hours are 8:30a-7p. Find us on Instagram @bloomsonboswell.
Wolfe's Camera (635 S Kansas): High School Photo Exhibit featuring photos from students at Topeka West, Topeka High and Hope Street Academy will be on display starting on First Friday. The winners of the Ranchland Trust Photo Contest will be displayed as stretched canvas in various sizes. This is Kansas photography at its best. Ranchland Trust is an agricultural land trust with a mission to preserve Kansas' ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes. FFAW hours are 5-8p.
NOTO Arts Place (905 N Kansas): The Story Slam is a story telling contest where the story teller tells a five-minute story of a true personal experience related to the event theme. The audience selects the best 3 best stories. The best story receives a $5 gift card sponsored by the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. The Story Slam starts at 7p and finishes at 9p. Come early and check out Madeline Smith’s outstanding water color paintings. FFAW hours are 6-9p.
Glaciers Edge Winery (1636 SE 85th - Wakarusa): The tasting porch, fireplace and patio will be ready for you to spend your November First Friday Art Walk at the winery. Our featured musical artist will be Frank Rardon and Lago Vista Grill will have food for sale inside! Enjoy wine and slushies by the glass or a bottle while enjoying live music and fantastic food. Feel free to bring lawn chairs to enjoy our outside vineyard sunset view. We will be open late to celebrate First Friday! (Only alcohol produced at Glaciers Edge Winery is able to be consumed on our property; guests consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old.) We are located on the south side of Topeka, 1.7 miles E of Topeka Blvd on 85th St. Regular winery hours are Fri from 3-9p, Sat from Noon-6p and Sun from Noon-5p. FFAW hours are 3-9p. Find us on Instagram @glacieresedge.wine.
Amused (907 N Kansas): Our featured creator for November is the ever-plucky artist Shelly Bedsaul. Shelly will be enchanting viewers with live painting demos throughout the evening. All nine of our studios will be open to view and visit with our residents. The gallery is full of distinctive items for early holiday shopping. Too soon? No worries! We are continuing the Halloween season and will have a little something for trick-or-treaters. Regular hours are Wed & Thurs from 1-6p, Fri from 11a-6p and Sat from 11a-5p. FFAW hours are 11a-9p. Find us on Instagram @amused_in_noto.
STUDIO 831 (831 N Kansas): Our featured artist for November is Anne Kufahl. Her exhibit of paintings is called “Looking for Light.” Anne describes her artwork: “Looking for light and the relationship between line and color is what I want to convey in my art. For me, it is the line and color mingling with light that gives subjects their value. An unconscious feeling draws me to a composition which allows me to express it on canvas. I consider the painting completed when I feel the painting communicating that feeling back to me.” FFAW hours are 4-8:30p.
Stephen Smith Gallery (931 S Kansas): Lawrence ceramic artist Edward Noonen joins our east coast guest artists this month. Laura Edwards and Laurie Fields (both from Virginia) bring amazing modern expressionism through use of oils and mixed media. Noonen's embellishments on his ceramics are steeped in symbolism and rooted in life’s journey. Some of the imagery may appear dark, but the viewer is invited to ponder the inevitable and discover the subtle beauty that can enrich everyone’s path. Skulls appear in many cultural and religious celebrations, like our friends to the south who enjoy Dia de los Muertos. There is a Latin phrase, dum vivimus vivamus, which, roughly translated, means “while we live, let us live.” Join us for these three artists and many others currently showing. FFAW hours are 11a-8p. Find us on Instagram @stephen_smith_gallery.
Beauchamp's Gallery (3113 SW Huntoon): Beauchamp's Gallery presents a new group photo exhibit entitled "Ghosts of the Flint Hills". The exhibit features black and white photographs of the Flint Hills. Among those exhibiting are Brad Mangas, Judith Sabatini, Greg Nelson, Dave Horner and many others. Drop by on First Friday to see this incredible collection of photographs & meet many of the artists. If you can't make it on First Friday, stop by on the evening of Saturday, November 9th when the Westboro mart kicks off the holiday season with a lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, food trucks and lots of other activities for both kids and adults. "Ghosts of the Flint Hills" will be showing thru the month of November. FFAW hours are 5:30-8:30p. Find us on Instagram @BeauchampsGallery.
USD 437 Auburn Washburn School District (5928 SW 53rd): USD #437 Auburn Washburn Art Educators Present “A Voice for the Voiceless Art Show.” This Art Show highlights the best K-12 student artwork created this fall to give a voice to the voiceless of this world. The theme is explored differently at each grade level though a wide range of media. A glow gallery highlights K-8 artist's works that shines brightly under black lights. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate our students and their artwork. You will also have the opportunity to create a piece of art will become part of a temporary art installation at SEC for the remainder of the school year. Refreshments will be served. FFAW hours are 5-8p.
Topeka High (800 Sw 10th - 3rd Floor): Stop by to view the latest batch of talented Topeka High student artwork hanging on the walls of the gallery. Work will be on display from the variety of media taught. Enter through doors located on Western Street side of Topeka High by the painted murals and head up to the 3rd Floor, looking forward to seeing you! FFAW hours are 5-7p.
Prairie Glass Studio (110 SE 8th): Shop For A Cause this First Friday! We are partnering with Topeka Civic Theatre for First Friday and 50% of all sales on November 1st will be donated to them! We have created themed ornaments to go with their holiday production of A Christmas Story! Pick up a great gift while helping support the Topeka Civic Theatre! FFAW hours are 10a-8p.
Absolute Design by Brenda (629 S Kansas): First Friday fashion show!! Absolute Design by Brenda is having a fun-filled show! Great finds for this season and next. Serving not only looks but spirits and light hors d'oeuvres too! Show starts at 6p and all night, we’ll have 20% off for First Friday shoppers! We will be showcasing all of our new fall and winter wraps, ponchos, tunic, and jewelry!!! Join the fun!! FFAW hours are 5-8p.
39 West Gallery (909 N Kansas): Join us this month in the gallery as we celebrate small business month & 15% off Buddha Boards! In our front gallery on exhibit is two 39 West resident artists, Mary Bauer and Beth Hanna. Bauer a Topeka native focuses primarily on oil, ink and silver-point- a lost art form used by the masters incorporating silver as the primary tool for drawing. Hanna has a BFA in ceramics and jewelrymaking & metalsmithing and is an art teacher at Shawnee Heights Middle Schoool, she has found a niche in acrylic pour flow art and has a kaleidoscope of paintings for you to enjoy. Don't forget to sign up for our Color and Designs Workshop with Kathy Pflaum every 3rd Sat, Noon-2p. $25 per person per class. FFAW hours are 11a-8p. Find us on Instagram @39 West Gallery.
