TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Manhattan Arts Center is constructing an outdoor learning space on a formerly unused parking lot next to the center.<\/p>\n
The idea came from a mural by Frank Hammond, a professor of practice at K-State, to put the unused lot to use.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it just expands the learning environment, it gets them outside,\u201d Hammond said. \u201cBut I also think that brings a little awareness to the community about what\u2019s happening here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project is also one of teamwork, with students from K-State\u2019s interior and industrial design department drawing up original plans and handcrafting the furniture for the space.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt provides an awesome learning opportunity for them to work on something real and kinda leave a legacy behind when they do things outside of Manhattan,\u201d K-State Instructor for interior architecture and industrial design, Richard Thompson, said.<\/p>\n
The completed outdoor space will feature the mural continuing onto the concrete floor and sun shades to combat the summer heat; hopefully, bringing the community together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re hoping activating this space gets more people engaged, not only with arts, but with community; so bringing in K-State, bringing in community members, high school kids,\u201d Manhattan Arts Center executive director Kendra Kuhlman said. Anyone can come and engage with this space, and instead of just being empty, it\u2019s now a space that\u2019s useful.”<\/p>\n
The outdoor learning space at the Manhattan Arts Center is expected to be completed by summer this year.<\/p>\n
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