Headway — The Drag & Drop Theme For WordPress

NOTO Arts District Press Conference Creates a Wave of Enthusiasm for Topeka Ks

jcheray | Apr 11, 2010 | 3 comments

Friday April 9th members of various Topeka organizations along with NOTO Arts District members stood outside Bradley’s Corner Cafe to listen as speakers spoke about the art district with enthusiasm sprinkled with bits of humor.

In attendance in no particular order;

Larry Wolgast-city councilman, Norton Bonapart-City Manager, Barry Feaker-Executive Director Topeka Rescue Mission, Susan Mahony-DTI, Chris Hall-Kansas Arts Commission, Nancy Johnson-Community Resource Council and Quality of Life, Dr. Singer-USD 501, John Hunter-Washburn University and Chair of Quality of Life Foundation, Anita Wolgast, Mayor Bill Bunten, Dr Farley- Washburn University President, Bill Moore, Charlene and Jim Robuck-Robucks Jewelers, Gary Slimmer, Andrea Gockle,Jim Ogle-WIBW, Jim Parrish-Ramada Inn, Vince Frye-President and Owner FryeAllen Inc, a full service advertising agency,and Stan Herd:International Earthworks Artist. If I missed anyone who feels they should be on this list please let me know. Also if your name is mentioned here and the information on the spelling of your name or credentials needs fixed please contact me to let me know as well and I will fix it straight away.

Mayor Bill Bunten was the first speaker, he spoke of the following improvements that have been in the works:

Rerouting I70
Riverfront Project
Fixing the streets
Childrens Discovery Center
North Topeka
Creating an Area for Artists

Next Dr Farley spoke about how to restimulate parts of the community. He also touched upon the fact that from the time we began recording history art and culture has always been part of our human culture. He pointed out that since we learned how to paint symbols on walls art has been part of who we are. He said that we have an opportunity now to re-invigorate our economic community through artistic culture. He also made a point to say”Not if Google comes, but when Google comes it will be here in north Topeka as well”. Last but certainly not least he let people know that Washburn University will be part of the NOTO Arts District and that Cindy Morrison curator of the Mulvane Art Museum will be part of those efforts.

Bill Moore talked about Richmond VA and their art district and how the had resident artists. Their utilization of an outdoor open air mall in the absence of old buildings no longer standing is another aspect he mentioned. It would allow for artists to get out of their studios, take a break and mingle with other artists. Sitting places and a coffee shop are two things that they brought in to make it more enjoyable for the resident artists.

Charlene Robuck spoke briefly about Robuck Jewelers long standing presence in north Topeka.

Gary Slimmer thinks we have the amenities in north Topeka to support an art district. Also that the art district is about the future of our community.

Andrea Gockle talked about how art has been a catalyst for change.

The NOTO Art District website was unveiled as well courtesy Vince Frye and Karl Fundenberger.

Stan Herd was the last speaker. He talked about how this area is part of a prairie rennesance. Talents such as Louis Cox and Judy Macke have captured the Kansas prairies. Kevin Willmont an independent film maker has shot a movie here and stayed here while he filmed. Again he reiterated a common theme in that we have to think about the young people coming up. He brought up that the SOHO art district was once run down warehouse and storefront properties which were revitalized by way of bringing in an artist community into the district.

Overall the morning was filled with another wave of renewed enthusiasm for our great city. We have so much to be proud of here. There are people who do care about this city and are at least trying to make it a city for everyone.