As part of CHWC's Community Building & Engagement work, we harness the power of the arts to improve quality of life and build a sense of community in Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods. This work began with the establishment of EPIC Clay Studio in 2010, to provide opportunities for people to learn, enjoy, and share in the arts with their community.
The EPIC campus, centered around EPIC Clay Studio, has since expanded; in the last few years, CHWC's creative placemaking efforts have grown with the installation of public art on the site, the renovation of EPIC sculpture park and stage, and the launch of several new programs in 2021.
Part of CHWC's mission is to build and support community amenities that contribute to the creation of neighborhoods where kids have safe places to learn, grow, and play - communities where families can thrive. Over the last 20+ years, CHWC has partnered with the local government and community organizations to build local parks, gardens, and greenspaces.
One such program is Splitlog Farm, an urban farm in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Splitlog was built by CHWC in 2014 to engage and develop the community, and continues to provide fresh produce and community programs through a partnership with KC Healthy Kids. Families are welcomed to collect fresh produce from the farm and bring their children to participate in plant science courses.
Upcoming Events:
Project Gallery
Waterway Park
Waterway Park has been around for 100 plus years and, until CHWC stepped in, was deemed unsafe and an eyesore. CHWC filled in the park, added a beautiful playground and picnic table, installed a half mile track around the outside and a walking trail through the middle, and planted beautiful rain gardens. Now Waterway Park…
Read More »CAR (Community Alley Renovation)
Three years ago, CHWC’s Art Squad came up with the idea to start a program that would abate gang tagging and scripting on garages in the alleyways, on walls, and along routes to schools in their community. Along with cleaning up the graffiti, they wanted to make the alleyways less frightening and safer for everyone…
Read More »Art on the Street
Along with CAR, three years ago the Art Squad started the program Art on the Street. They teach art lessons during the summer for those interested in the neighborhood. The first year the group set up on different street corners in St. Peter’s-Waterway neighborhoods. The next year it did classes in the community garden and…
Read More »A Cup On The Hill
Almost four years ago, a couple of visionary young women teamed up with CHWC’s Community Building & Engagement program to meet a critical need in the effort to bring Kansas City, Kansas’s downtown back to life: a public space to gather, to talk, to dream, to work. And to drink the best coffee this side…
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