About KCPT: In the Community

Shane Evans: A Dream Takes Shape

Dream Studio Revives Old Building
Story by Pete Dulin, Photography by Pam Taylor.

Just east of Martini Corner, a dream is taking shape. Artist and illustrator Shane Evans purchased an old building at 711 East 31st Street and transformed it into Dream Studio, a workspace and gallery for his diverse art. The studio's named is inspired by Evans' latest project, a children's book he is writing and illustrating titled Olu's Dream. Olu is a character in the book. "Olu's face is representative of dreaming and living out dreams," Evans says.

Shane EvansEvans has ample experience illustrating books in this genre, working with publishing houses to create artwork for Did I Tell You I love You Today?, The Way a Door Closes, Shaq and the Beanstalk, and Free at Last: Stories and Songs of Emancipation. Dream Studio will be a sanctuary where Evans can focus on his first solo writing venture and channel his creativity.

"I have wanted a working space since I was a kid," he says. "I lived in upstate New York as a kid and had a friend with a space where he worked on pencil drawings. On some level, every artist wants space. I've been working in a small studio at home."

Dressed in a maroon polo shirt, shorts, and sandals, Evans looks relaxed and comfortable as he plucks at keys on his laptop. He is tall with curly hair tucked beneath a frayed denim cap. His scruffy beard and mustache provide a counterpoint to peaceful brown eyes. Evan's expressive face reflects a moment of meditation one moment, then confidence in the next. He charms with a smile, peering about the gallery with his guests.

PaintingDream Studio enables Evans to let his ideas expand and roam in the serene room as sunlight filters through the windows. Evans is multi-talented, an accomplished photographer and painter as well as illustrator. Large black-and-white photographs from his travels in Japan and Africa adorn the walls of the building. Vivid portraits of African Americans and colorful paintings inject a palpable energy into this former storehouse of building materials. "The new space is liberating," he says.

Evans envisions allowing other artists to work in the space, host events, and engage with the community. "I would like to bring school kids and young adults to meet with me and connect with professional artists as inspiration," says Evans.

This investment into the neighborhood will imbue the area with a much-needed cultural richness and personal connection to complement the commercial and residential development of Martini Corner, Union Hill, Cherry Hill Row, and other properties near KCPT's offices. Evans hints that there are many stories to be told and relationships to be explored in this neighborhood. "Martini Corner is on one end and the homeless are at another. Art is in the middle of the spectrum. Everyone can connect to art as a creative person."

When asked why he chose this location out of the many prospering nooks throughout downtown and midtown, Evans replies, "I've been looking for a building over seven years. Everywhere else was too pricey or somewhere with no energy," he says. Evans takes pride in the building and wants to have people visit and appreciate the environment. "This building had a good energy and vibe."

Framed art workBefore roots can spread throughout the community, Evans intends to savor creative time in this sanctuary after investing hours of labor into refurbishing the space. He plans to peruse old sketchbooks for ideas and delve into work on Olu's Dream. Dream Studio will take on its own life and attract interested people in due time. "I will let the space grow. There's no real pressure of having foot traffic as an art gallery," he says. "People will come, find out about the place, and buy work. I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen. Who knows what history will develop and maintain over the next ten years."

For now, Dream Studio is a place to work and showcase ideas that have come to fruition on canvas, on the pages of children's books, and in the real life of Shane Evans.

Artist and children's book illustrator Shane Evans will appear for the all-ages children's show scheduled from 11 AM-2 PM as part of the Crossroads Music Festival on Saturday, September 6, at Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee. Other family-friendly performers and activities include Funky Mama, jazz storytelling, and kids meal specials.


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