At the Art of It All
Chords and Oil is partnering with the Topeka Home Builders Association for the 2010 Home Show to bring awareness to the community about the emerging arts scene in Topeka and celebrate how art enhances our everyday lives. Art from several Chords and Oil artists will be on display in the main entrance of the Home Show including works in metal, glass, concrete, paint and photography. A small donation to Chords and Oil enters contributors in drawings for a chance to win one of several art pieces on display in the designated area.
For the first time on public display, the completed “Art Cube” by Chords and Oil will be seen at the Topeka Home Builder’s Association 2010 Home Show, “Home is Where the Art Is.” The six and a half foot “Art Cube” was started by Chords and Oil as a live art interaction at the Arty Party (Arts Connect) in October, 2009. The cube is a celebration of Topeka, a great arts town.
“We are committed to partnering with other groups to accomplish our progressive vision for Topeka,” said said Andrea Engstrom, Chords and Oil board member.
Chords and Oil is an art collective consisting of 100 members, of which the average age is 28. The Chords and Oil Board of Directors consists of visual artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers, arts advocates, social activists, active volunteers, students and young professionals. The group formed in December, 2008 with the mission of effecting positive change to the Topeka arts community and, in doing so, to better the city of Topeka as a whole.
“We have a fundamental belief that people who are involved with the arts and given a chance to have an outlet for their creativity become better citizens,” said Chad Manspeaker, founding member of Chords and Oil.
Chords and Oil initiatives include public murals, community gardening and downtown revitalization. The group believes that a vibrant downtown would help the arts in Topeka by providing a setting for cultural progress. Chords and Oil members hope to create positive change through public service, by focusing on community beautification, environmental protection and education.
Since its debut event in Januray 2009, Chords and Oil has received positive feedback from the Topeka community. “We have seen an absolute outpouring of support for what we are doing,” said Engstrom. “It is giving us momentum and motivating our group to dream bigger dreams for Topeka.”
Tags: 2010 Home Show, A great arts town, Art, Art Cube, Arts Connect, community, Kansas, THBA, Topeka, Topeka Home Builders Association