The Underground
A newsletter which bridges art, history and community together
2024 | January
You are the best part of my art! - Zandra
Happy New Year! This is the first edition of the Underground for 2024, your go-to source for local happenings in Topeka's art scene. As we bid farewell to 2023, we remember your continued support and are so thankful for it. In this issue, we highlight how to hang your new fine art, provide links to new opportunities, share a lesson from an artist, and spotlight our featured artist, Alisha Saucedo.
So, join us on this journey of celebrating art, artists, their work, creativity, and innovation!
What do with this Beautiful Art
Christmas is over, and now you find yourself the proud owner of a stunning piece of art. But here's the catch: you need to learn about art or even how to hang it. Don't fret! Discovering the perfect spot for your art in the living room is an exhilarating and inspiring adventure. Prepare to embark on a journey that transforms your space into a masterpiece!
New Art Collector
Before embarking on your art journey, acquaint yourself with the type of art and the artists. Unravel the captivating stories behind each piece, if there be any. Then, it's time to embark on the quest for the perfect spot. Assess your room's layout, lighting, and decor to find the ideal match. Size up your wall, ponder over furniture arrangements and bask in the glory of natural light. Let the artistry unfold! ✨
When deciding on the colors in your painting, consider whether they complement or contrast with your current themes.
Photo credit: Zandra Sneed- Dawkins - Caged Bird
Photo credit: Zandra Sneed-Dawkins - Misty Copeland
One way to create a sense of connection is by selecting a color from the painting and using it as an accent piece in the room. It will bring a delightful cohesion to your space, making it feel more vibrant and alive.
Enhance the visual impact of a room by featuring large-scale art on a single wall. Create a seamless blend with other design elements like pillows, statues, and plants by arranging smaller pieces in a gallery style. When hanging art, aim for eye-level positioning, typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Now that you're bitten by the art bug, let's explore five art styles that can illuminate your space. This list is not exhaustive, but it's a great starting point to equip you with the terminology you need to ease your shopping process.
Five Art Styles
Photo credit: Steve Johnson
Contemporary art - Large form abstract art
If you appreciate contemporary art, incorporating abstract pieces can add a touch of uniqueness and creativity to your space. These pieces can provide a bold and vibrant look that will immediately catch the eye and become the room's focal point, allowing you to express your individuality in a stimulating environment.
Photo credit: Jonny Caspari
Gallery Wall - Looking for a more personal touch
Are you searching for a more personalized way to display your favorite photographs, prints, and artwork? Consider creating a gallery wall! This method involves mixing and matching different sizes, frames, and styles to tell your unique story. So, showcase your creativity and let your personality shine through your wall decor.
Photo credit: Marco Damm
Minimalistic - Clean lines and clutter - free
If you prefer a minimalistic style and enjoy clean lines and a clutter-free environment, then a black-and-white minimalist design might be perfect. This design choice is timeless and emphasizes simplicity and elegance. It is often paired with sleek furniture, monochromatic color schemes, and minimal decor to create a serene atmosphere.
Photo credit: Slywia Pietruska
Eclectic - Mixing photographs, textiles adds depth
For a more eclectic living room, you can mix paintings, photographs, textiles, and sculptures to add depth to your space. Have fun experimenting with different textures, adding visual interest and a dynamic look. Mix-media styles allow you to showcase your love of various art forms and create a one-of-a-kind living room.
Mix paintings, photographs, textiles, and sculptures for a more diverse and exciting living room, adding depth to your space and making it visually appealing. Experiment with different textures to create a dynamic look and have fun. Mixing different art forms allows you to showcase your love for various styles and create a unique living room.
Photo credit: Markus Spiske
Topography - Maps, nature, landscape and architectural
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with topography art. This style is achieved by displaying maps, landscapes, or architectural drawings that showcase the natural world. Topography art adds depth and a sense of adventure to any room, creating a feeling of wanderlust and exploration in style.
Whether decorating with a newly received Christmas gift or considering updating your room, art is a beautiful place to start turning any room into an inviting space.
Featured Artist Spotlight
Healing and connection through the creation of functional art.
Meet: Alisha Saucedo
I am happy to introduce my friend and fellow artist, Alisha Saucedo, whom I met through Artistinc. Alisha was our group leader, and I was fascinated by her story as she was a successful therapist at RISE and a talented ceramist. Alisha has a warm and inviting personality, making communicating with her effortless. I was curious to know what inspired her to pursue art. I was amazed to discover that although she never considered herself an artist, she enjoyed being creative with pencils, markers, crochet, and paint. Mandalas and zentangles inspired her, and the repetition, patterns, and design flow influenced her art, which was created through color and contrast. Read entire article.
Artists Opportunity
Keep seeking your dreams
The 'Audacity & Tenacity' show aims to bring our community together, inspire connections, and celebrate the joy of culture. Opening night begins February 2, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at The Coffee Bar. The exhibition will be available for viewing From February 2-28!
All artists are encourage to apply, those wishing to participate may submit before January 15, 2024 here: https://www.zandrasart.com/artistscall
Connections in Topeka
Shop the Local Art Scene
If you are looking for something to do today, NOTO's Art District is a great place to start. From Studio 62 and Fire Me Up Ceramics to the Morris Gallery and more, there is plenty to explore. Follow this link to see Topeka’s local art scene.
(Events Calendar power by ArtsConnect and the 785 Magazine.)
Shout out - corner
Shout out to new art business opening in Topeka
I would like to my friend Becki and her new place Artismo Gallery and Bistro. I am super excited to see and support this new venue.
The following art studios has moved. Alexander Lancaster of Two Wolves Studio & Artist Den, an art gallery and the Two Wolves Artist collective is now located at 305 SW 5th St. in downtown Topeka and is scheduled to open January 13, 2024.
Artists Perspective . . .
Learning lessons
This year has been a time of growth and reflection, and there is still much more room for personal development. The most valuable lessons I've learned are that achievements are possible with the help of others and that one must persistently pursue their dreams. Now, let me take you on a little behind-the-scenes story.
Art is always complex and challenging. I am excited because 2024 has allowed me to be a solo curator. I need a big neon sign flashing "danger, trouble ahead ."So let's talk about 'Audacity and Tenacity,' a show meant to highlight African American accomplishment, joy, and spirit; now, as a member of the aforementioned group, I often find myself shifting a tidal wave of muck about what this label means or should mean. So far, no answer has suited my hopes, desires, or dreams: to be part of a humanity that believes all life has a place for joy and deserves dignity and appreciation!
As you read, I am in a dilemma, this show is meant to be inclusive and anyone my participate, so if you have talent and would like to showcase something that represents joy, tenacity, or even audacity, we would love to add it to the show. The show will go up regardless of participation because this is my audacity and tenacity, which means I keep my word and promises. Be sure to see the outcome of this saga; the opening night is February 2, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 pm. There will be 10 percent discounts on drinks.
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