How art gallery, music, and mac and cheese fit together in Topeka's NOTO district
- Artismo Gallery & Bistro, an art gallery and live music venue, opened a year ago in Topeka's NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.
- Artismo hosts live music every weekend, with free admission on most nights.
- The venue also offers community events, such as open mic nights, figure drawing classes, and paint-and-sip parties.
- Co-founders Jennie Ketter and Becki Waugh say they are grateful for the community's support and look forward to continuing to provide a space for artists and art lovers to connect.
Artismo Gallery & Bistro opened in NOTO Arts and Entertainment District one year ago as an art gallery, artist collective and live music venue all rolled into one.
Co-founders Jennie Ketter and Becki Waugh found their inspiration for Artismo as they traveled across the United States, visiting artist spaces and galleries.
“We both wanted to open a gallery. It was our dream and vision,” said Ketter. “We took our lives and experiences, and if all these great places and people and ideas we came across had a baby, that’s what Artismo is.”
Artismo duo offer creative outlets for others in Topeka
Ketter brought her grandmother’s homemade five-cheese mac and cheese recipe and a background in photography, while Waugh serves as Artismo’s resident artist and art instructor. Together, they provide creative outlets for other artists in the community, from pop and graffiti art to musical performances.
“Part of what we hope happens here is that people are inspired by each other,” said Ketter.
Artismo opened in February 2024 in the 800 block of N. Kansas Avenue before damage to the building’s roof forced them out. Undeterred, Ketter and Waugh reopened on Halloween at 1035 N. Kansas Avenue inside the former Davidson Funeral Home.
“We ended up with three times as much space,” said Waugh. “Folks come in and share about their loved ones, so it’s an interesting and unique way to meet the community.”
Artismo features maker spaces with art supplies for guests to flex their creative muscles, and several galleries that display featured artists’ work. The public can purchase art, handmade jewelry, locally designed cards and other merchandise to support community artists.
“We have 10 to 15 regional artists on display, and the prices are very reasonable,” said Waugh.
Buyers from as far away as Australia have purchased artwork at Artismo. One piece is currently on a U.S. musical tour after a musician who performed at Artismo bought it and took it on the road.
'Make friends over a bowl of mac and cheese'
Waugh said she and Ketter also make room for emerging artists like Evian Iris, who began painting over the past year.
“It’s a creative space to share with others who are like-minded,” said Iris. “You can make friends over a bowl of mac and cheese.”
In addition to the comfort food favorite, the kitchen at Artismo offers lunch and dinner menus with sandwiches and quick bites, as well as ice cream and floats. Ketter believes part of the appeal of Artismo is its ability to reach the average person.
“There aren’t a lot of art galleries in Topeka, and Artismo is for the average Joe,” she said. “We get a lot of people who like and appreciate art, but they don’t go out and see art themselves, so this is exposing people to art through our musical events.”
Since opening a year ago, Ketter and Waugh have hosted more than 300 concerts and events for the community, including an appearance by Masta Killa from the Wu-Tang Clan.
“Every Friday and Saturday, we have live music. These events are free, and they’re BYOB,” said Ketter.
The venue does charge a cover fee for some larger concerts, including an Anti-Valentine’s Day Break Up Ball recently hosted in February. Featuring artists Raw Ki, Reup Von Wolfgang and DJ Wobbelz, all proceeds from the Break Up Ball benefitted the Willow Domestic Violence Center.
Community art and performance opportunities are available
It’s not just professional performers who take the stage at Artismo either. The business encourages the public to explore the performing arts by providing access to its music hall with stage, lights, and sound system.
Community members borrow musical instruments to create their own sounds, and Artismo hosts a free open jam session for the public every Sunday, representing a wide range of musical styles. Stage rentals are also available for private performances.
“You can put together your own show with stage and lights,” said Ketter.
Artismo offers other community art and performance opportunities as well. Waugh instructs Paint n Sip parties on the first Saturday of each month and by appointment. The first Wednesday of each month is comedy night, the second is open mic poetry night and the third Wednesday of the month features figure drawing. There are plans for expanding class offerings in the future.
Since Artismo isn’t a bar, Ketter said children are welcome, with people of all ages gathering there. Waugh believes that part of the success they’ve found over the past year is due to the inviting vibe that Artismo gives off.
“We’re welcoming to everyone; young people, old people, people from all walks of life,” she said. “The feedback we get is that (people) feel comfortable here.”
Part of Ketter's and Waugh’s work is encouraging other artists to share their talents with the community. Blacklight artist and DJ, Eddie Starbuck, credits Artismo for launching his career. He currently has DJ gigs for multiple artists in the Kansas City area, but a year ago, that would have been out of the realm of possibility.
“If it wasn’t for Jennie giving me a call and asking me to get out of my bedroom and do something for the public, I wouldn’t have,” Starbuck said. “I was comfortable making music in my bedroom.”
Although Ketter and Waugh have previously both been self-employed, this is their first joint business venture. Following a year in operation, they said they’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to be successful.
“Every single opportunity is viewed as a learning experience. We observe and listen to our patrons and our community. Folks are taking notice that we’re here. Artists have been reaching out for wall space. We’re still doing the art district thing, and hopefully that encourages more artists down here,” said Waugh. “We’d like to thank the community for the support, patience and input.”
Upcoming events at Artismo Gallery & Bistro in Topeka
Artismo will continue offering opportunities for Topeka to enjoy big-name artists, such as Born Divine from the Wu-Tang Clan, who will perform there April 19. Ketter said they are looking for local openers for the show. The venue is also hosting the following musical events this summer:
- May 24: The International Show celebrates a musical milestone for Artismo, representing performances by musicians from 12 countries and 15 states in the past year.
- June 14: Battle of the Bands is a free event celebrating local musicians.
- July 19: Midwest Meet Up brings music lovers from five states across the Midwest together.
For more information on these and other upcoming events, follow Artismo on Facebook and Instagram.