Epic Arts began as a clay studio on 6th Street. Now, it’s a local art campus home to multiple creative spaces.

Enlivening & celebrating KCK creativity

We’re firm believers in the power of creative placemaking. Epic Arts, a program of CHWC, is fueled by the knowledge that art plays a pivotal role in building strong community pride and identity.

We are located on an art “campus” in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood that includes a clay studio, community hall and gallery space, pop-up art container, artist fellowship suite, outdoor stage and green space. Read more about these below!

Our mission is to provide the youth and adults of the community opportunities to experience dynamic arts and culture programs that foster community, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.

OUTDOOR STAGE & PARK

Behind the pop-up art container and right next to the clay studio, you’ll find a quiet green space with picnic tables, an outdoor stage, and a rather majestic tree.

Most of the time, this little community park is a tranquil patch of green on the corner of 6th & Tauromee. However, it transforms once a month (May-October) to serve as the epicenter (haha, get it?) of our Third Friday Art Walks!

Come eat your lunch on a picnic table, read a book under the tree, or sit and sketch on the shaded stage.

COMMUNITY HALL: UNITED COLORS

Location: 611 North 6th Street, KCK

Yoga classes and brainstorming meetings, but in an art gallery? Absolutely. EPIC’s Community Hall combines the art of community building with actual art, curated through a partnership with local gallery United Colors. The space is located next to the clay studio and serves as a dynamic space for community gatherings, yoga classes, rotating art shows, and more.

United Colors is a contemporary art gallery in Downtown Kansas City, KS. The program presents a diversity of voices and mediums, and the exhibition schedule resembles that of a kunsthalle, allowing for longer shows and creating programming opportunities to engage the public. 

See their current and upcoming shows here! Open hours are Saturdays & Sundays, 12-3pm.

PRIVATE EVENTS: The Community Hall is also available as an event space for private events! The space is equipped with a kitchenette, ample counter space, several tables and chairs, and an accesible bathroom. It hosts up to 25 guests; inquire about reservations by emailing epicclaystudio@chwckck.org with a description of your event.

SIDEWALK ART CONTAINER

Art in a renovated shipping container? Yes! Our Sidewalk Art Container is located next to the clay studio, in front of EPIC’s green space. Designed and built by KU Architecture students and currently activated by United Colors, this miniature sidewalk gallery hosts local & regional exhibits as part of United Colors’ programming.

Open hours are Saturdays & Sundays, 3-5pm. Doors are also opened every Third Friday during the Art Walk, May-October! In the meantime, walk on by and admire the art through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

This project was made possible by a grant from LISC and built in partnership with Downtown Shareholders, KU Dotte Agency, and CHWC.

ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

CHWC hosts an Art Fellowship that centers around community engagement while exploring narratives of KCK history and future. During this six-month fellowship, the artist has the opportunity to live and work in a modern loft space above Epic Clay Studio in downtown KCK.

Past Artists in Fellowship have shared their work at Third Friday Art Walks and are continually developing ways to connect their artistic practice to KCK residents and spark discussion and creativity.