The Underground
A newsletter which bridges art, history and community together
2023 |November
You are the best part of my art! - Zandra
Welcome to the Underground! I am excited to share this newsletter. I am thrilled to have you here with us in the Underground! Inside this newsletter, I want to take a moment to share my passion for something that brings me so much joy - the arts. I would love to introduce you to the NOTO Arts and Entertainment, a vibrant hub of creativity and expression in Topeka. It is a place where the local artists come together to create something truly magical that always leaves us inspired and educated.
But that's not all. I am also excited to introduce you to Monette Mark, a true gem of the arts community. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and passion for her craft, and I am honored to share it with you.
As a fellow lover of the arts, I encourage you to support and visit these special communities. Let's come together to celebrate and uplift the creativity that brings so much beauty into our lives. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
History of NOTO
The two photos show the remarkable transformation of North Topeka. As you can see, it has come a long way from the July 13, 1951 flood. Writing this article forced me to think about NOTO. Formerly known as North Topeka Business District. It is where water meets transportation meets art. It is a historic comingling of past and present and a demonstration of community commitment. It's hard to think about the historical building being nearly covered by water. However, the flood was only one of two major setbacks to the prosperity of the North Topeka business district.
Photo credit: Kansa Water Science Center
Photo credit: Washburn Review
1965, the Melan Bridge collapsed, causing a significant disruption as it was the connection between North and South Topeka. Yet, despite these tragedies, the community decided to keep the historic district, and today is thriving.
History also reveals that in the early 1900s, the city was an epicenter of commerce and social interaction, a vital stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. Of course, like every city, economic ebbs and flows caused a decline, and the business district nearly became a ghost town. Read more->
Featured Artist Spotlight
Curiosity, exploration and the ability to touch 3-D Art!
Meet: Monette Mark
I want to introduce you to Monette Mark, one of my favorite teachers at Washburn University. She is a business owner, ceramist, and community leader for the arts. Her journey is fascinating. Ever since she was young, she has had a passion for art, and her earliest formative memory was attempting to paint a Monet when she was around 11 or 12. So, let's buckle up and learn more about her!
Her conceptual work is amazing. It surrounds exploration and curiosity, human body, cellular structure to cropping on curves and creases and bows like in the arm. She enjoys investigating the ways the skin folds and causes recess and shadows and depths. Her early career surrounds graphic design. She also paint’s by using digital prints and painting over them. Some of her favorite artist are Lorna Meaden, Josh DeWesse and Julia Galloway. A leader in the art community and the owner of Fire Me Up Ceramics and the Sage Crossing Gallery, he only 24-hour, seven-days-a-week studio in the area, allowing artists to let their creativity flow whenever inspiration strikes. Read entire article.
Artists Opportunity
Keep seeking your dreams
There's an abundance of opportunities waiting for artists, too many to count! But fear not, There's an abundance of opportunities waiting for artists, too many to count! But fear not, place to kick-start your artistic journey!
I've compiled a list of upcoming chances exclusively for the online version. Get ready to submit, research, and create! While the list may not cover everything, it's definitely a great place to kick-start your artistic journey!
Artists Perspective . . .
Creative Struggles
I find inspiration in artists who consistently create, although I sometimes struggle with the act of creation itself. It could be because I've taken on too much, which hampers my creativity and leads me to hit a wall. This wall represents the " why " question - why do I create? Creating art allows me to express my ideas about the world, comprehend how it has shaped my life, and hold onto connections with others in a world that often feels fragmented. I sense the narrative of separation, the chasm that divides us. Every day becomes a battle for me, a choice between joy and despair. And so, I paint joy into my artwork. Sometimes, my aspirations exceed my abilities, but I persist nonetheless.
The paintings I am sharing is part of a series I am creating for an upcoming show at BrewBank. It explores the connection between our ideals and children, the wonder of our dreams and possibilities, and the resilience to turn those dreams into reality. It parallels the resilience flowers exhibit in the face of resistance and the resilience we require.
Despite encountering numerous obstacles, I persistently paint and create, undeterred by the challenges. I implore you to do the same and never relinquish your dreams.
Local Art Scene. . .
Shop Local
Explore NOTO's vibrant Arts and Entertainment District, where countless opportunities await to support local artists and the thriving Topeka community. With its undeniable charm and an abundance of picturesque spots, you'll find plenty of unique moments to capture and share.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter! If you found it useful, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family. Don't keep the valuable insights and information contained within to yourself; spread the news and help others benefit from it too.