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Showing at Shawnee: Fally Afani
Fally Afani’s music photography captures the electric energy and urgency of the Kansas City and Lawrence music scenes. Her love of live music prompted her to focus her energy on working with local musicians and connecting them with the community. On any given night, you can find her covering concerts in Lawrence, Kansas City, or music festivals across the nation.
Her award-winning journalism, which now spans 15 years, has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and television stations across Kansas. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism.
Meet her on June 20th at Shawnee »
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What comes first – the medium or the message?
The Message.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
My art runs parallel with journalism, and journalism is a community service. I am here to show what the musicians around me are capable of as performers, and how it engages audiences here in Kansas and even beyond because of our online presence.
What influences your practice/works?
I grew up in a country where media was mostly censored. When I moved to the U.S., I was limited to living in a small, rural area of Kansas. My only access to explore the music scenes I so desired were magazines. So much happens in an entire concert, but only one second from it gets captured in a photo to show you the extent of the activity involved. These photos define the opposite of stagnant, presenting an entire world of opportunity to music lovers who desire to live within that moment.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration?
Lately I’ve been enjoying concert photos from journalists who cover the East Coast hardcore music scene, such as Angela Ownes and Farrah Skeiky.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?
Above all, you must follow women and people of color. White men have covered the music scene for far too long and have made it an absolute bore.
The P.R. Wreuster Murder
Have you heard of the P.R. Wreuster Murder of 1911? It is a legend that has faded with time, but was once the talk of the town. Read the thrilling tale at JoCoHistory »
This Week at the Library
This week at the Johnson County Library...
Poetry and Prose Tuesday, Jul 17, 6 pm @ Central Resource Library
Storyteller Priscilla Howe at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Wizard Rock with the 8th Horcrux at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Meet the Artist: Sterling Witt Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 pm @ Lackman Library
Movie in the Park Friday, July 20, 8 pm @ Electric Park in Lenexa and Santa Fe Commons Park in Overland Park
All this and more - plus plenty of fun for kids and the whole family!
Library Night at the K
The libraries of greater Kansas City have once again teamed up with the Kansas City Royals to score big for the libraries’ annual summer reading programs. On Tuesday, July 24, the Royals will host Library Night at The K as they take on the Detroit Tigers, and a portion of every ticket purchased through Johnson County Library's ticket link will go toward our 6 by 6: Ready to Read early literacy program, Homework Help, and tutoring services.
Prior to the first pitch, all six libraries will host pregame celebrations outside Gate B with a variety of activities and giveaways including:
- The chance to meet Mid-Continent Public Library’s mascot, Marty the Martian, and see the Library’s Reading Rocket, a mobile early literacy unit. Attendees can also pick up an “I ♥ MCPL” royal blue wristband, while supplies last.
- Cooling towels, bubbles, and candy from North Kansas City Public Library
- Baseball and library trivia to win prizes with Olathe Public Library
- Fans and bookmarks from Johnson County Library
- Free book giveaways (children’s and adult), a bean bag toss game, a selfie station, and reading recommendations from Kansas City Public Library
In addition to the pregame celebrations, beloved children’s entertainer Mr. Stinky Feet will perform in the Outfield Experience between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., including his signature hit, “Rockin' the Library.” From the time gates open until the second inning, the libraries will have tables with more activities and giveaways in the Outfield Experience, and members of the libraries’ executive leadership teams will also be recognized before the players take the field. The National Anthem will be sung by Olathe Public Library Indian Creek Branch Manager Bob Miller.
Library Night at The K also marks the launch of KCPT’s Great American Read here in Kansas City, and representatives from the local PBS station will share information about the celebration before the game. During The Great American Read, participants can cast their vote to find out what our city’s and our country’s favorite books are.
Across the Kansas City metro, these six library systems collectively serve more than 1.8 million people via 62 branches, five mobile units, and 17 other service locations. In fact, the more than 9.7 million visitors to all of these libraries over the past year would have filled Kauffman Stadium 257 times.
“When you are Raised Royal it’s all about ballparks, batters, bases, and books,” said Sean Casserley, County Librarian at Johnson County Library. “It’s what makes Kansas City great!”
Now on Exhibit at Leawood: Evin Felix
Evin Felix finds inspiration everywhere. In a time when we are bombarded with images of ugliness, violence, and destruction, her goal as an artist is to depict the natural, understated beauty that still exists in our world. Many of her paintings are renderings of photos that she has taken at home and abroad. Whether it's a boat resting calmly on a glassy sea or a quiet expansive landscape, Evin strives to artfully depict feelings of peace and beauty in her work.
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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
For me, I’d say that the medium comes first. I often paint from photos or life, in a more traditional style. So my biggest challenges are laying down the paint in a way that I accurately depict a scene or translate an emotion to the viewer. Even this abstract series was painted from medical pathology slides, so it is based in reality to a degree. I take some artistic liberties with colors, textures, and composition; but technically, it’s still representational. I usually don’t have a deeper message to my art, in hopes that the viewer sees it and it moves them to feel their own emotions. I feel like it's a successful piece if the viewer can connect with it emotionally.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
I feel like my role as an artist is to find beauty in the world, and depict it in my art so that others may experience it as well.
What influences your practice/works?
It is simple: my artwork is influenced by my observations. My practice of art was intensely influenced by my mentor and father Mark Schuler. He was an illustrator and painter, and taught me a lot about observing, techniques, etc. On a day to day basis, I think my peers at the InterUrban ArtHouse inspire me and challenge me to push harder.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
I love so many artists. From classical painters to contemporary painters, and everything in between. I’m currently loving Mark English, Rich Bowman, Carla Bosch, and Carol Marine just to name a few. Of course, I also find inspiration from my mentors and teachers Mark Schuler and Amy Trachtenberg. With all of these talented artists, I find myself drawn to their use of color, their
brushstrokes and their interpretation of value.
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Learn more about Evin Felix's work here: http://www.evinschuleroils.com/
Hand-Picked Favorites
Our Youth Services librarians read a looooot of picture books. That means they know what really stands out from the crowd. Check out their new favorites!
A Wall with a View
The new Lenexa City Center Library is taking shape! In recent weeks structural steel, the elevator shaft, stairwells and pre-cast concrete wall panels have emerged on the site. And now, you can get a better glimpse as construction progresses on our next Johnson County Library.
“Portholes” have been installed in the construction barrier wall around the Library site. These windows allow for safe viewing of the progress going on behind those walls -- the new home for Lackman Library patrons.
When it opens in late 2019, the two-story Lenexa City Center Library will house a collection slightly larger than the current Lackman Library, and will feature:
- Kids’ area and Holds on the upper level, with convenient access from the adjacent parking garage and Lenexa Commons area
- An “extended hours” Holds pick-up lobby for picking up your items after hours
- Adults and Teens sections on lower level, featuring a cultural commons area, tech bar, and public art
- A drive-through kiosk in the adjacent parking garage for convenient holds pick-up and material drop off
- Study and conference rooms in a variety of sizes
In collaboration with Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, Hollis + Miller Architects designed the roughly 40,000 sq. ft. facility to seamlessly fit into the Lenexa City Center plaza and public market while still providing a distinct image for the Johnson County Library.
The exterior of the Library will feature textured walls with deep stone ledges that will engage patrons and the community by allowing for seating within the public plaza. The large roof is designed with an overhang that caps the building – to not only provide shade but also visual prominence. Limestone terrace seating will also be built into the exterior landscaping.
The Lenexa City Center Library features two entrances- the upper level providing easy paths to the Civic Plaza, Lenexa Rec Center, and City Hall; and the lower level entrance is right across from the Public Market.
And while you eagerly “watch” our progress at Lenexa City Center, continue to check back here for more updates!
This Week at the Library
This week at the Library...
Kids up to 18 years can grab a free, nutritious breakfast or lunch most days this week thanks to Catholic Charities
Introverts will enjoy our Silent Book Group on Monday, July 2, 6 pm @ Groundhouse Coffee
Adelante! Read! es Programa para niños de 4 a 12 años. Lectura, matemáticas, manualidades, cuentos y presentadores
We're very excited to bring the KC Fringe Festival to JoCo with KC Fringe Festival Artist Reception and Sneak Peek Thursday, July 5, 5:30 pm @ Central Resource Library
And teens, get your organization on with our Teen Bullet Journaling Meetup Friday, July 6, 4 pm @ Lackman Library
Summer Fun at the MakerSpace
Your Community – Summer Fun in the MakerSpace
The Black & Veatch MakerSpace at the Johnson County Central Resource Library is an environment for discovering creativity and emerging technologies. Visitors of all ages can enjoy access to 3D printing, audiovisual production space/equipment, sewing materials, laser, CNC and vinyl cutting, and a selection of computers with industry-standard software.
Creative Discovery
Depending on the time of day or day of the week, you never know who might be working alongside you in the MakerSpace. The popular destination welcomes hundreds of visitors throughout the day. The gathering spot is popular among engineers, artists, BFA students as well as retired craftspeople and artists who are curious about the newest technologies. What might surprise you though is use of resources within the MakerSpace is free. Generous funding from Black & Veatch makes this possible.
Summer Destination
This summer, the Makers will again offer the popular MakerSpace Passport Program. Much like a staycation, the Passport Program is a great way to find a close-to-home adventure, learning about Maker ideas, tools and skills.
Each week, the Makers will present a new project. Participants will complete a series of different weekly projects using a variety of materials and methods. This is an open, walk-in program. Keep track of your adventure by picking up a Summer MakerSpace Passport and having it stamped after each workshop in June and July. Kids who complete one of each week’s activities will be entered in a Grand Prize drawing. The Passport Program is best for ages 6-12, no grown-ups allowed! The Maker Space provides the supplies.
July Summer Passport Program
Monday, July 9, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 10, 10 am-1 pm
Thursday, July 12, 5 pm-7 pm
Monday, July 16, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 17, 10 am-1 pm
Thursday, July 19, 5 pm-7 pm
Monday, July 23, 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday, July 24, 10 am-1 pm
Clowning Around this Throwback Thursday!
Do you remember Whizzo? “Whizzo’s Wonderland?” "Whizzolark?" This clown was a serious entertainer!
"He had one goal: entertain children and make them laugh."
Read the latest jocohistory blog entry: Frank Wiziarde: Entertainer, Artist, Whizzo the Clown
For even more local history visit jocohistory.org or follow our hashtag on Twitter.