Arts & Culture in Manhattan KS – Kansas Small Business Directory Online

Sparks and Steam – Topeka

Aubreyana P — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:16:05 +0000

Sparks & Steam is a creative art brand dedicated to making unique art for unique people, offering a warm, personal experience with every purchase. Each order includes a handwritten thank‑you note and a free sticker, reflecting the company’s commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and customer appreciation. Operating out of Topeka, Kansas, Sparks & Steam maintains a strong local presence through two physical locations: the Amused Gallery on North Kansas Avenue and the Topeka Vendors Market on SE Adams Street. These spaces allow customers to explore original artwork, commissions, and handmade goods in a welcoming, community‑centered environment. With consistent weekly hours and extended availability during First Friday Art Walks, Sparks & Steam blends creativity, accessibility, and local engagement into a memorable artistic experience.

Handwritten thank‑you note and free sticker included with every order.
Two Topeka locations: Amused Gallery and Topeka Vendors Market.
Weekly operating hours plus extended First Friday Art Walk availability.
Offers commissions, free art prompts, and an online shop.
Dedicated to creating unique art for unique people in a community‑focused environment.

Beyond its storefronts, Sparks & Steam fosters an inclusive creative community by offering commissions, free art prompts, and an active online shop for customers who prefer to browse digitally. The brand emphasizes personal connection, encouraging visitors to reach out through its contact form and stay engaged through its mailing list. Sparks & Steam’s dual locations provide flexible shopping opportunities, with the Amused Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday and the Topeka Vendors Market offering additional Thursday–Saturday hours.

Whether customers are seeking original artwork, custom pieces, or a vibrant local art experience, Sparks & Steam delivers a blend of imagination, craftsmanship, and heartfelt service. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to create meaningful, distinctive art that resonates with every individual who walks through its doors.

Owner: Devin Wineinger, Artist, Writer and Cosplayer

785 Arts

Darian P — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:53:35 +0000

785 Arts is a Native American-Owned Art Gallery, Studio, and cultural Center that highlights authentic Indigenous art alongside local creative work. It was founded to share and celebrate Native traditions—especially Cherokee arts such as double-wall basketry, cornhusk dolls, jewelry, contemporary pieces, and more—and ensure that every piece in the gallery is genuinely made by tribal artists.

In addition to exhibiting art, 785 Arts offers educational experiences for a wide range of audiences, including workshops and classes in traditional Cherokee art forms and introductions to Cherokee language and culture. These programs are available for children, adults, schools, and groups interested in hands-on learning about Indigenous creative practices.

The gallery has become an important part of Topeka’s cultural scene, earning recognition from the local arts community (including a People’s Choice award for arts in the area) and serving as a partner in broader arts engagements such as community exhibitions and events.

Owner: Lisa LaRue-Baker

Amused Gallery And Studios

Darian P — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:27:32 +0000

Amused Gallery & Studios is a beloved art gallery, studio space, and gift shop nestled in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in North Topeka. It showcases an eclectic mix of artwork, handmade goods, and creative pieces from many local artists and makers, making each visit a chance to discover something unique.

This family-run venue not only displays art but also offers studio spaces that artists can lease, fostering a creative community where makers live, work, and interact with visitors. The welcoming atmosphere and rotating showcases of different art forms give it a dynamic and ever-fresh feel.

Beyond art exhibits, Amused often participates in district events like First Friday art walks and seasonal shows, letting guests meet artists, see demonstrations, and enjoy interactive features like Foot Pool — a soccer-ball version of pool — as part of the experience.

ArtsConnect – Topeka

Darian P — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:20:38 +0000

ArtsConnect works to strengthen Topeka’s creative community by offering opportunities, resources, and advocacy for artists across all disciplines. Founded in 2006, the organization’s mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone and support artists as essential contributors to community culture and civic life.

At the heart of ArtsConnect’s work is the ArtsConnect Gallery, a dynamic exhibition space in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District that hosts a rotating schedule of visual art shows, performances, workshops, and community events. They also run programs like Artist INC to help creatives develop professional skills, and the TopArts Grant Program that funds local arts projects to expand access and public art opportunities.

Beyond exhibitions and support programs, ArtsConnect organizes citywide events such as the First Friday Artwalk, helping connect the public with galleries, studios, and artists, and plays a central role in Topeka’s broader cultural planning — including efforts to integrate the arts into community development and civic strategy.

Stephen Smith Gallery

Darian P — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:15:37 +0000

The Stephen Smith Gallery is known for its calm, light-filled atmosphere, where contemporary works are displayed with an emphasis on space, texture, and detail. Visitors often remark on how the gallery’s minimalist design enhances the impact of each piece, allowing paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations to breathe. Natural light spills across the floors and walls, subtly shifting the tone of the artwork throughout the day.

The gallery’s rotating exhibitions highlight both emerging and established artists, with a particular focus on bold experimentation and storytelling. Curators at the Stephen Smith Gallery are known for pairing contrasting styles—abstract beside figurative, digital beside traditional—to encourage conversations about the changing landscape of modern art. These exhibitions often explore themes such as memory, identity, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology.

Beyond its exhibitions, the Stephen Smith Gallery is also a community hub, hosting artist talks, workshops, and intimate evening events designed to spark creativity and dialogue. Visitors often leave not only inspired by what they’ve seen, but also feeling connected to a larger creative community. Whether you’re an experienced art collector, a student, or simply someone who enjoys discovering new perspectives, the gallery offers a welcoming space to slow down and engage with art on a deeper level.

Owner: Stephen Smith

The Mud Room Community Pottery Studio

Terrell B — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:11:25 +0000

The Mud Room is a creative pottery studio located in Topeka, Kansas, dedicated to providing an inclusive and inspiring environment for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned ceramic artist or a complete beginner, the studio offers opportunities to explore the art of clay through structured classes, workshops, and casual experiences. Their mission is to make pottery accessible and enjoyable, fostering creativity and community through hands-on learning.

Inclusive Environment: Welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to experienced potters.
Diverse Offerings: Classes, workshops, paint-a-pot sessions, and private lessons.
Event Hosting: Ideal for birthdays, corporate gatherings, and family nights.
Expert Instruction: Classes led by skilled ceramic artists and educators.
Flexible Scheduling: Options range from quick sessions to multi-week courses.

The studio specializes in a variety of offerings, including multi-week courses for skill development, quick paint-a-pot sessions for spontaneous fun, and private events tailored for groups and special occasions. With experienced instructors and a welcoming atmosphere, The Mud Room emphasizes personal expression and craftsmanship, turning simple lumps of clay into functional and artistic pieces.

Owners: Andrew and Emily Linton

Eclectic Designs

Lawrence B — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:34:40 +0000

At Eclectic Designs, creativity knows no boundaries. We specialize in transforming ordinary spaces, products, and ideas into extraordinary works of art that reflect personality, purpose, and innovation. Whether it’s interior styling, branding, or custom artwork, our approach is guided by a deep appreciation for individuality and craftsmanship. Every design we create tells a story—unique, bold, and distinctly yours.

Our team blends modern aesthetics with timeless techniques, ensuring that every project we take on stands out for its originality and attention to detail. From concept to completion, we collaborate closely with clients to bring their vision to life, offering creative direction, design consultation, and expert execution. With an eye for color, texture, and balance, we deliver results that inspire and impress.

At the heart of Eclectic Designs is a commitment to quality and authenticity. We believe great design should not only look beautiful but also feel meaningful and functional. Whether you’re refreshing your home, launching a brand, or curating a one-of-a-kind look, we’re here to make the process seamless and inspiring. Discover how our eclectic approach can turn your ideas into stunning realities.

Owner: Michelle Majewski

Lyddon Arts

Alan W — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:52:47 +0000

Lyddon Arts Consulting, LLC dedicated to showcasing the rich artistic and cultural essence of Topeka through the city’s creative landmarks, galleries, and public art displays while also having their own masterpieces of art. Additionally, it keeps the community and visitors informed about nearby art events, creating a vibrant connection between local artists and the wider audience. With a passion for fostering creativity and community, inspiring appreciation for Topeka’s flourishing art scene while supporting its continued growth.

Owner: Stacey Lyddon

Cosmic Soup

Lawrence B — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:01:11 +0000

Cosmic Soup is a vibrant and eclectic gift shop located at 2125 North Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas. Open daily from morning to evening, it offers a magical browsing experience filled with a wide selection of gemstones, minerals, and crystals—ranging from raw stones and polished towers to sculpted carvings and handmade jewelry. With frequent restocks and ever-changing displays, the shop keeps things fresh for both new and returning visitors.

In addition to its crystal collection, Cosmic Soup features an eye-catching array of medieval and fantasy-themed items. Customers can explore swords, knives, armor, 3D-printed dragons, detailed figurines, and fantasy décor. Many of the items are crafted by local artists and small-scale makers, adding a personal and community-focused touch to the store’s offerings.

Beyond being a crystal and fantasy haven, Cosmic Soup also carries incense, candles, smoke shop accessories, and unique home décor. Whether you’re on the hunt for metaphysical tools, a quirky gift, or just want to explore something different, Cosmic Soup provides a fun, welcoming, and otherworldly shopping experience right in the heart of Topeka.

Wild Bird House

Lawrence B — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:03:54 +0000

Tucked away like a hidden gem, Wild Bird House is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. We offer everything you need to turn your backyard into a vibrant bird sanctuary—from handcrafted feeders and nesting boxes to premium seed blends and thoughtful accessories.

Our passion for wildlife extends beyond the products we carry. At Wild Bird House, we believe in creating meaningful connections between people and nature through education, community events, and expert advice. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, we welcome you with open wings.

Step into a space where chirps, flutters, and feathers come to life. Wild Bird House is more than a shop—it’s a celebration of beauty in the everyday world outside your window.

Owners: Melody and Todd Weller