Olathe Art Gallery eyeing more visible and affordable space
OLATHE, Kan. — The First Art Gallery of Olathe is also home to the nonprofit Olathe Visual Artists which hosts workshops and promotes local artists work.
If you drive too quickly past the shopping center on the corner of North Mur-Len Road and West 127th Street, you’re likely to miss the first art gallery of Olathe.
It’s home to the nonprofit Olathe Visual Artists.
The president of the organization says he wants to move somewhere more visible and affordable, keeping a space open for students who call it a second home.
Mizzou fan encourages CPR training after helping save ESPN anchor’s life
Paintings, sculptures, and a workstation. That’s what you’ll find inside the first art gallery of Olathe. But to David Stewart, this space is a dream come true.
“Since I was little I really appreciated art from a young age because of my mother she instilled that in me,” he said.
Stewart is the owner of the gallery and president of Olathe Visual Artists, a nonprofit that teaches art to students like Cecilia Yarick.
“That’s what brought me here. I was looking for some help trying to see to finish this,” Yarick said.
To her, this space is what brought her even closer to her niece Julie, who made a painting of Yarick.
“Since I’ve always liked the ocean and since my dad was a captain that’s why all this came up,” Yarick said.
But her niece never finished the painting. She died in April from heart failure, and after looking everywhere for help, Yarick found Stewart.
“She guide us to get this finally finished,” she added.
While the room holds so many memories for people like Yarick, Stewart says it’s time to look for a new spot. One that’s more visible and affordable.
“All in all it is pretty expensive to be a small business owner and to be able to make it in Johnson County,” he added.
He says bills have more than doubled since they moved in five years ago and with membership down, part of its income is also taking a hit. But they’re staying hopeful.
“To be able to share that with people, it’s important to me,” Stewart said.
See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri
He says they’re reaching out to the public and the city. Hoping by March, a new door will open into space for all.
If you’re interested in learning more about the gallery or nonprofit. There’s a reception they hosts on the first Saturday of the month. You can also check out the gallery when it’s open or find them next weekend at the Olathe Arts Festival.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.