Category Archives: Topeka

April Fools: Google becomes Topeka

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Google has changed their home page logo to Topeka for April Fool’s Day! I assume this was inspired by our (Topeka, Kansas’s) temporary re-naming last month to Google, Kansas and Think Big Topeka‘s #1G4Topeka effort.

If you’ve been following the whole Google, Kansas thing, then you probably know that Topeka is pretty serious about bringing the Fiber Experiment to our community. Sure, we re-named the city for a month, but that was just one of many grassroots initiatives to show Google how much Topeka wants Fiber! Our efforts include more than 16,500 Facebook Group members, almost 900 photos, a whole slew of TV appearances/Radio interviews/blogs/articles and 31 videos, like this one by Gizmo Pictures:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZahqLe5AYU

We also had the first Google-related Flash MOB, a Google St. Patrick’s Day parade and a final rally at the Google RoadRunners game where the community spelled out GOOGLE on the ice after the game.

I’ve always been a fan of Google’s April Fool’s Day pranks, but this is one I’ll never forget!

Thanks Google, you guys really do Think Big!

Enjoy Some Wine and a Great Cause

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Make plans for a night on the town next Friday, August 1st, in Topeka!

 

Not only will there be some special features on display at the First Friday Art Walk, but there’s also Grape Escape 2008 – A Toast to the Arts! And both events feature an original Alissa Sheley acryilc on plexiglass painting!

I’ve donated a tryptic piece called "Fiesta" (pictured left) for Grape Escape, where it will be auctioned off to benefit the Topeka Performing Arts Center. The event itself is a ton of fun, with all attendees getting the opportunity to sample over 100 different varieties of wine from all around the world and snack on finger foods provided by local caters and restaurants. I attended last year’s event and had a wonderful time!

You can also get a preview of some artwork that will be up for bids at this year’s Works of Heart on Saturday, August 22, benefiting Family Service & Guidance Center. The preview will be on display at Warehouse 414, where you’ll be able to see my "Paradise".

Painting with the Kids

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What do you get with 27 tubes of paint and 11 young artists?

Lots of messy fun … and some pretty great artwork!

With aprons and lots of paper towels, creativity soared on Thursday, March 8, at Family Service and Guidance Center. I spent the evening with eleven young artists, teaching them how to paint using acrylic on plexiglass.

After a quick lesson, they set off creating their own masterpieces – landscapes and flowers, tributes to their favorite sports teams and even one to Picasso.