We acknowledge...
785 Arts Acknowledges that we are located on the homelands of the Osage, Kaw, Delaware, Shawnee, Potawatomi and Wyandotte peoples, and pay our respects to the elders past, present as well as future generations of all Indigenous people who have, do and will live on this land. As Tsa-la-gi/Giduwa, we pledge to mindfully care for and preserve the importance of this space to my family, the tribes, our ancestors and all of our children’s children when living here and will do so responsibly.
The Gallery
785 Arts opened in Topeka, Kansas in January, 2020 bringing authentic Cherokee arts to Amused Gallery located in Topeka's NOTO Arts & Entertainment district, including doublewall basketry, cornhusk dolls, red clay jewelry and contemporary arts. We also offer classes for children, adults, groups, homeschool groups, schools and creative aging. Classes include basketry, cornhusk dolls, Cherokee language, kids cultural camp experiences, and customized programs.
In January, 2022, 785 Arts reopened in Topeka's historic Columbian Building with the addition of an authentic Native American art gallery. The gallery features contemporary art from artists who are tribal citizens or certified by Federally-recognized tribal governments, following all requirements of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. You can be assured that all items claimed as Native American are genuine Native American made.
We are also proud to feature art from non-Native emerging Northeast Kansas artists.
785 Arts is the designated Lead Curator for the Mayor's Art Initiative. Local art of all genres and mediums are welcome for submission.
The Studio
Lisa LaRue-Baker, artist and teaching artist
Lisa LaRue Baker is an eclectic, a creator and a curator.
As a federally registered Native American (enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), she is a traditional double-wall basket maker, taught by her Cherokee elders, Nation Living Treasure Basket Makers Thelma Vann and Anna Sixkiller. As a staff member of Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Resource Center and later Director of Language, History and Culture for the Keetoowah Band of Cherokee in Oklahoma, she has taught thousands of children and adults over a 20+ year timespan, to make Cherokee baskets, cornhusk dolls, jewelry, as well as Cherokee language and culture. Today, she is mentor to a Native basketmaker apprentice.
She was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas by her maternal grandparents, and spent most of her adult life in Oklahoma working for her fellow tribal citizens. Retiring to Topeka, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors of ArtsConnect and is a facilitator for Mid-America Arts Alliance, Kansas City, MO as well asa Creative Aging teacher at LULAC Senior Center, and curator of Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla's "Mayor's Art Initiative."
Artist Statement
Education has always been important to me, but creativity is my passion.
I find that creativity is often the best way to educate others. Whether it be through my music, writing, photography, bohemian art, or traditional Cherokee arts, I find a way for each piece to not only speak to someone’s soul, but leave a lasting memory of history – or hope for the future. As a Native American artist, I not only create traditional art of my tribe, but contemporary arts in many genres. Touching all cultures, experiences and goals is not only the life of the contemporary Native, but helps reach many people. Indigenous art does not always have to have an “Indian” theme, but rather, is from either our perspective or embodies traditional teachings. Art IS our culture. Everything we do is surrounded by and based on art. Being an artist is an important part of being a culture-bearer.
I am a Native Artist crossing the boundaries into the non-Native art world.
Examples of Lisa's Work
