785 Arts

04/05/2026

Attention USD 501 students and families

This Fund is to support Title VI Native American Students with post-graduation plans. For more information: Click Here

10/13/2025

09/19/2025

The latest cohort of local artists honored by mayor Michael Padilla!
Thank you so much to these artists who have shared their work with not only the Mayor, but the city of Topeka and guests to the city. And thank you Mayor Padilla, for including the arts as an important part of our community.

Front: mayor Padilla, Naomi Cashman, Azyz Sharafy, Cynthia Stotlar-Hedberg, Paula Marker, Larry Peters
Back: Devin Wineinger, Phil Jones, Mark Hahn, David Zlotky, Lisa LaRue-Baker

Special thanks to NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, SKY Restaurant, and Chase Campbell!

05/14/2025

Call for Art: Children’s Book Illustrator

Overview:
We are seeking a talented and imaginative illustrator for a delightful children’s book that explores the Native American origins of Topeka, Kansas, translated to DoPiKa in the Kaw language. This 16-page book, plus cover, aims to educate and engage young readers about the rich cultural heritage of the area through vibrant and captivating illustrations.
There will be a total of 15-16 illustrations, and the deadline for final artwork is February 15, 2026.

Illustration Style:
We are looking for a style that resonates with children, blending whimsy and educational elements. Illustrations should be colorful, engaging, and able to convey the story’s themes of heritage, community, and discovery.

Submission Requirements:
Interested artists should submit the following materials:

1. Artist Bio: A brief introduction about yourself, your background, and your artistic journey.
2. Artist Statement: A statement that reflects your artistic philosophy and approach to children’s illustration.
3. Artist Resume: A resume detailing your artistic experience, education, and any relevant exhibitions or publications.
4. Samples of Work: Please include samples of each style of children’s illustration you have created. We encourage a variety of styles to showcase your versatility.
5. Where are you based? Winning candidate MUST be a resident of Topeka or Shawnee County, Kansas.

Also include your expected fee for these illustrations.

Rights and Permissions:
This project will pay a one-time fee; however, you grant permission for your illustrations to be used without further payment for any related children’s projects associated with The DoPiKa Project.

Application Deadline:
Please send your application materials to [email protected] no later than June 15, 2025.

Chosen artist will be notified by August 1, 2025.

We look forward to seeing your creative vision come to life in this meaningful project that celebrates the Native American origins of Topeka!

This project is funded in part by a TopArts grant awarded through ArtsConnect Topeka.

05/09/2025

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The Business of Art. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

04/26/2025

If you are looking to book presentations, workshops or classes, please book now for the coming Fall! I will quit taking bookings for 2025 on May 31.

04/13/2025

I think the was the largest adult basket class I’ve ever taught! Seven people not even in the photo! They all did great, and there were some real artists in the group, too. Wonderful ideas for their own concepts! Salina Public Library (Kansas).

04/11/2025

The Mayors Art Initiative opening reception at SKY Restaurant resulted in happy artists, happy appetites, and happy people. And what a beautiful sky ……..

Thank you to NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, SKY Restaurant, MAD Marketing and 785 Arts.

04/10/2025

The late Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s final curatorial salvo — the largest show of Native American art to date — carries an elegiac weight, but also thrums with life.