Meet journalists from The Star, explore KCK tonight at the Third Friday Art Walk
The Third Friday Art Walks in the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood are defined by their sense of collaborative community.
The family-friendly events in Kansas City, Kansas, are celebrations of creativity in all forms — from art to food to seeking unique solutions to community challenges. Tonight’s event is the final Art Walk for 2023 (they’ll be back in May), and journalists from The Kansas City Star are excited to be participating alongside artists, chefs, performers, community organizations and local KCK businesses.
The Art Walk is organized by Community Housing of Wyandotte County, a nonprofit organization focused on building thriving communities. Additional support is provided by KCK Downtown Shareholders, KCK Community College’s Art Gallery and Central Avenue Betterment Association’s La Placita vendors, ArtsKC and Visit KCK.
The CHWC is best known for building and renovating housing in Wyandotte County and eliminating barriers to homeownership, but supporting community building and engagement has become a growing emphasis in recent years.
“Art Walk is part of our larger arts making initiatives,” said Rebekah Swank, the CHWC’s communications and donor engagement manager. “Community is not just about the physical infrastructure, but something that helps people connect and thrive.”
EPIC Arts Clay Studio, 609 N. 6th Street, is the epicenter of these community arts initiatives and home base for the Art Walk. First-time visitors will find volunteers there to answer any questions.
Emerald Powell, 24, said the Art Walk is a great way to get a feel for the Strawberry Hill community and support artists and vendors who are getting started sharing their creative works with the world. Powell’s community-inspired ceramics will be part of tonight’s Art Walk.
“Come and engage with the artists,” Caroline Meek, EPIC Arts Clay Studio’s outreach coordinator said. “They want to talk with you about their work — don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
United Colors, an artist-run gallery participating in the Art Walk, exemplifies the event’s commitment to making sharing artistic works more accessible to both artists and the public. The gallery pays special attention to highlighting local and regional artists who otherwise have not had the opportunity to present their work publicly.
César Lopez, 31, a sculptor and co-organizer of United Colors, said the Art Walk has provided a platform for the gallery and for the artists exhibiting there that they did not have before. He encourages visitors to check out Marika Arellano Christofides’ work displayed in the sidewalk art container and Arianne October Garner’s exhibition at the gallery’s main space.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore and learn more about Mexican American art and culture by visiting DINKC Studios, 600 Ohio Ave. Owner and artist Dinkc Galicia, 33, grew up in Strawberry Hill. After spending years away, he’s back raising his daughter and investing in his community by offering gallery space and opportunities to other creatives.
This month is special to Galicia, whose work is inspired by old school cartoons, Mexican culture and graffiti street art. During the Art Walk and throughout October, the studio is offering workshops to paint sugar skulls and educate others about the importance of Día de los Muertos. Tonight’s events will also include locally made tacos and performances by a local band.
“Art Walk is our biggest day,” Galicia said. “People are so hyped for it.”
Where to find The Star at the Art Walk
Our journalists will be participating in the Art Walk to hear more about what is happening in neighborhoods throughout the metro area, but at this event we are especially interested in hearing from KCK and Wyandotte County residents. Have questions about what we do? We’d love to answer.
You’ll find us under a blue canopy across the street from EPIC Arts Clay Studio throughout the event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. We’d love to see you.
Can’t make it out tonight? We’re looking for other community partners hosting events that would like to collaborate with us. Reach out to Hannah Wise, assistant managing editor for engagement and experimentation, to connect about future community events. She is best reached at hwise@kcstar.com.
Make the most of your visit
The Art Walk runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. See the full map of Art Walk events on KCK’s 6th Street here.
Parking is available at the United Government parking lot across from EPIC Arts Clay Studio, at the Merc Co-Op or at Spitlog Coffee Co. Vendors and artists will be set up along 6th Street, which is closed to traffic for the event.
Visitors are encouraged to bring cash — not all vendors have mobile payment available.
Interested in supporting or participating in future Third Friday Art Walks? Organizers encourage you to email them at thirdfridayartwalk@gmail.com.
