A new gallery and bistro aims to create a comforting space for artists of all types in Topeka’s NOTO Arts and Entertainment district.
“We’re trying to create a place where artists from different disciplines can gather any crossroads of performing arts and visual artists,” said Becki Waugh.
Waugh and Jennie Ketter are the owners of Artismo Gallery and Bistro at 816 N. Kansas Ave. Together, they’ll provide many events, along with various food choices.
In the social realm, Waugh said there’s opportunity for potential collaborations.
“And I think that’s why we’re getting a lot of support, and a lot of people are expressing it’s really needed,” she said.
Live poetry, comedy, concerts and more at new Topeka gallery
Events will take place on Fridays and Saturdays, along with other standing days like second Tuesday poetry, live DJs on second Wednesdays, comedy nights and more.
“What I really like is the diversity of it, too,” Waugh said, “because we’ve got everything from gospel oriented, bluegrass type of music to hip hop nights.”
Events are booked up to June, Ketter said, and a lot of Friday and Saturday events “will be for a very affordable $5 cover fee.”
Along with live shows, bistro menu items include different types of sandwiches, soups, hot dogs, burritos, ice cream floats and more. The space does offers the choice to bring your own drinks.
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Several local artists have their work displayed on the walls of the gallery, and some are available for purchase.
“I like to say it’s not our place, but the community’s place because we encourage people to linger and to loiter really,” Ketter said. “We want you to come in and meet people and just be inspired by other creatives.
“Or even if you’re not a creative, come in and be inspired and leave happy and just feel fulfilled when you leave because you’ve spoken to someone that’s just blown your mind.”
When will Artismo Gallery and Bistro open for business?
Artismo Gallery and Bistro had a soft opening Thursday and will be open for business Friday.
Regular business hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.
The owners agreed that making the space a mixed-use space is beneficial to not only artists but also those who may not be familiar with gallery atmospheres.
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“They can be intimidating spaces and that is not what this is,” Waugh said. “This is an art gallery where we want to demonstrate to all these wonderful Topekans that it is not only accessible to come in and view, but it is accessible to buy original art from our area artists and see and hear things or artists do anyway.”
To keep up with event dates and updates, owners encourage those interested to follow their Artismo’s Facebook page.
Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.