There’s no shortage of ambition surrounding the grand opening of ARTichokes (10557 Mission Road in Leawood, 913-206-5810), a multipurpose art space at the new Mission Farms development. The facility aspires to be the area’s creative center by sponsoring a vast array of classes — painting, dance, creative writing, songwriting, juggling — in addition to rotating three-month exhibits highlighting 12 Kansas City artists at a time. Artistic Director Jackie Warren says the gallery’s most important goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere and avoid the pitfalls of pseudo-galleries that sell more prints than paintings. The center will also be the site of art talks every Thursday and live music every Friday. The big-bang opening takes place from 6 to 9 tonight with jazz from Matt Shoaf and Friends. See www.artichokeskc.com for information on submissions, classes and events.
Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., 2007
