About the Company

Many creative minds came together in 2007 to make ARTichokes a reality!  Megan Sutherland, Jackie Warren, Laurie Barling, and resident artist, Rebecca Pashia, all deserve credit for making this unique dream come true!   

In January 2011, the two sisters Rebecca Pashia & Laurie Barling started their own corporation, WET CANVAS, and took over ownership of ARTichokes.   Rebecca is the creative mind behind the concept and also a professional artist with her studio on-site.  Laurie is the business manager of the place making sure day-to-day events run smoothly.  Together, they have lots of new ideas to carry the business forward!  Gina Keohan, an original staff member, also has a key role at ARTichokes.  In addition to art sales, Gina is in charge of ART AROUND TOWN, a program where ARTichokes displays local artwork in businesses and restaurants around the Kansas City area.

Our goal for ARTichokes is simple, to promote local and regional artists & inspire our customers.  ARTichokes is a new type of art space for southern Kansas City.  With classes offered for all ages, live music and Open Studios for the community on Friday nights, plus an exciting selection of original art pieces to purchase, our art space promises to be filled with activity.  Built between two fabulous restaurants in Mission Farms, ARTichokes is a fun place to see a sampling of Kansas City's talent and learn about the creative process as well.

Who is Rebecca Pashia?
Rebecca has had her own art business, Motif, for 20 years, creating original paintings for homes and businesses.  She has also been dedicated to encouraging creativity in children through her Scribble Shop project, which brings all the visual and fine arts together, and has written many children stories.  Samples of her paintings can be seen on the ARTISTS page.

What are the classes like?
The classes we offer vary for different ages, but they promise to always be fun and educational.  Each class is taught by a local professional, and continues for 4 weeks.  For a detailed schedule, click on the CLASS SCHEDULE link on this website.  Sign up for a class and meet new people, try your hand at something creative, or just take some time out for yourself.  If you are interested in teaching a class at ARTichokes, or have an idea for a new class, please email becky@artichokeskc.com. 

Is your space available for private parties?
Yes it is.  If you are interested in Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon rentals, our art space provides the perfect atmosphere for a party or recital.  Click on the PRIVATE PARTIES link for more information. 

Why the name, ARTichokes? 
Besides being one of Rebecca's favorite foods, her first painting in high school was of an artichoke with lemons.  The painting won the Purchase Award at Shawnee Mission East and inspired Rebecca to keep painting.  Megan Sutherland, who also loves artichokes, bought another one of Rebecca's paintings of an artichoke years later.   When they were searching for a name of the art space, ARTichokes just seemed to fit.