NOTO to host arts & antiques festival, classes and more

The NOTO Arts and Antiques Festival is a two-day show and sale event featuring high quality art and antiques from the region and beyond, as well as specialized industrial and vintage wares. The festival, held March 15 & 16, will also feature an array of workshops offered by local experts on topics related to the arts and antiques. Hours will be Friday 11:30 – 7:00 & Saturday 9:00 – 4:00.

The historic NOTO Arts and Entertainment District is home to art galleries, antique and home décor shops, restaurants, bars, and other retail businesses, all locally owned and operated.

The Arts and Antique Festival exhibits will be at the Great Overland Station, located at the south end of the district. Regular admission to the Great Overland Station applies, $6 for adults, $5 Seniors, $2 children 2-12. Educational workshops and presentations will be offered at various locations throughout the district.

On Friday, Mar. 15, there will be a VIP Session 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Friends of NOTO and other special guests who support the arts. The general public may attend the VIP session but at a higher entrance fee. During this time the Best of Show awards will also be announced.

NOTO Arts Center has also announced new class opportunities and activities:

• Beginner Technique/Jazz Class (Sat. mornings. suggested ages 7-12): Taught by Carly Malsom: This hour-long class will combine dynamic stretching and foundational jazz technique; geared towards beginners who have little to no experience.
• Technique/Contemporary Class (Tuesday evenings, suggested ages 13-18): Taught by Carly Malsom, this hour-long class will combine dynamic stretching with a blend of ballet and jazz technique. This class is geared towards beginner to mid-level dancers who have little experience.
• Beginner Hip Hop Class (Sat. mornings, suggested ages 7-12): Taught by Carly Malsom; this hour-long class will focus on technique elements of hip hop such as isolations, popping, musicality and footwork as well as dynamic stretching; geared towards beginners who have little to no experience.
• Hip Hop Class (Tuesday evenings, suggested ages 13-18): Taught by Carly; this hour-long class will focus on technique elements of hip hop such as isolations, popping, musicality and footwork as well as dynamic stretching; geared towards beginner to mid-level dancers.
• Dot Mandala Painting (Sunday classes, suggested ages, 14+): Taught by Sara Pantos Busby; fun introduction to mandala dot painting on rocks.
• Mixed Media /Acrylic Painting (Thursday evenings, Teen-Adult) Taught by Michael Mize; introductory techniques for working with acrylic paints, various mediums for combining with acrylic, as well as brush types, care, and maintenance. Multiple strategies for developing ideas and working with sketchbooks will also be covered.

Don’t forget about First Friday Art Walks, which have been bringing people to the area in record numbers. Besides the Art Walk in NOTO, other North Topeka businesses have begun joining in and coordinating complementary events.

Entertainment can also be found on First Fridays, at various venues during the art walk up and down the Avenue, as well as streetside vendors. The restaurants, locally owned shops, art galleries and studios have also become favorite art walk destinations.

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