From the Press

The facility aspires to be the area's creative center by sponsoring a vast array of classes - painting, dance, creative writing, songwriting, juggling - in addition to rotating three-month exhibits highlighting 12 Kansas City artists at a time.  Artistic Director Jackie Warren says the gallery's most important goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere and avoid the pitfalls of pseudo-galleries that sell more prints than paintings.  The center will also be the site of art talks every Thursday and live music every Friday.  The big-bang opening takes place from 6 to 9 tonight with jazz from Matt Shoaf and Friends.  See www.artichokeskc.com for information on submissions, classes and events.

- Richard Gintowt