Creating fun since ’21: Celbrating 5 years of Switch Wicked
Switch Wicked’s 5th anniversary is coming up in June! To celebrate, we have a week full of community-focused events. We have partnered with local artists and businesses to bring these events to life. Each event during the week highlights we partnered with different local businesses and creators that have helped shape Switch Wicked over the past five years, and we hope there is something for everyone!
At Switch Wicked, we work to create a space where people feel welcome just as they are. We know what it’s like to feel overlooked, so we intentionally build community for those who haven’t always had a place. Everyone deserves access to creativity, opportunity, and belonging.
After building Switch Wicked over the past 5 years, we want to let the community help us shape the future. We are raising funds throughout the week for Switch Wicked Studios, our nonprofit creative community space.
Our fundraising goal is $5,000 to purchase additional furnishings for the space. Over time, the studio has grown into a home for Film Club, craft nights, workshops, art markets, and community gatherings. With all of these great uses for the space, we are beginning to outgrow our current setup and feel some limitations as these events continue to expand.
The funds raised during anniversary week would help us purchase comfortable seating for Film Club and community events, additional tables for art markets and workshops, and flexible furnishings that allow us to better host larger creative gatherings. Our goal is to continue building a space that feels welcoming and accessible to Manhattan’s artists, musicians, film lovers, and creatives.
Learn more about what is happening each day
Tuesday, June 2 - Independent Craft Night in partnership with River Heights Yarn Co. from 7 - 9 PM
Independent Craft happens every Tuesday at Switch Wicked Studios in partnership with River Heights Yarn Co., another downtown business. Attendees bring their own crafts and work alongside other creatives. Working alongside others can help inspire creativity and build community while doing something you love. Whether it is drawing, knitting, leather working, or sewing, it is more fun to create with a group of friends!
Wednesday, June 3 - Film Club starting at 7 PM
We will be viewing the 2004 award-winning documentary Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere, which follows the Balderson family in Wamego, Kansas. Directed by Steve Balderson, this film highlights that you can create something special right here in your own community. After the film we will be joined by Clark Balderson, the director's father, for a talk and Q&A following the film.
A Father's View from Behind the Camera
A statement by Clark Balderson, producer
Stephen Balderson showed up at my door at 22 years old, fresh out of CalArts, and told me he was going to make a film on his credit cards. I told him that was a terrible idea — and then I helped him do it anyway... but not with credit cards!
That negotiation between his creative instinct and my business pragmatism became the working relationship you'll glimpse in Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere. He was the artist; I was the one making sure the lights stayed on. What the documentary captures is something rare: a genuinely talented filmmaker betting everything on his vision, in the middle of Kansas, with the whole improbable enterprise unfolding in real time.
Firecracker, the film being made in this documentary, earned 3.5 stars from Roger Ebert and a place on his 2005 Best Films list. But long before any of that, I watched a boy of eight talk my father out of his VHS camera and start telling stories. Nothing that followed surprised me.
I hope you'll enjoy the film — and stay for the conversation.
— Clark Balderson, Manhattan, Kansas
What is Film Club?
Film Club is the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Film Club is a film discussion group for people who love movies. We explore different genres, revisit cult classics, and introduce people to films they may not have discovered otherwise. You can stay connected through our film Discord where we discuss upcoming movies.
Thursday, June 4 - Make and Take Summer Reading Shirts in partnership with Manhattan Public Library from 1 - 4 PM
Have you ever been curious about screen printing and want to try your hand at it? This event is your chance! Bring your own blank tee to print with an exclusive summer reading shirt design by Switch Wicked. The print will be black ink, so keep that in mind! We would recommend a lighter garment for the best results.
Partnering with organizations like the Manhattan Public Library helps us continue making hands-on creative experiences accessible to the broader community.
Friday, June 5 - Transistor Response: A live, cyberdelic journey powered by live synthesis
This live synth set is brought to you by Fantishow and Lockgrove. From lights to sound, come absorb it all. They will take you on a cyberdelic, audiovisual journey like no other! We love creating a space for unique live experiences that people might not otherwise encounter. There will be a $5 entry at the door with funds going towards our fundraising goal for Switch Wicked Studios.
“Transistor Response is an audiovisual journey that will skirt the line between ambient sound scapes and thumping techno rhythms. Something for your mind, your body, and your soul.”
– FantiShow & Lockgroove
Saturday, June 6 - First Saturday Art Market and Live Music
Kicking off the events on Saturday is the First Saturday Art Market in Switch Wicked Studios from 11 AM - 3 PM. This indoor art market is a great way to discover new and local artists. We feature a wide range of art work— from prints, original paintings, and pottery to jewelry, zines, and more, the space accommodates up to 15 artists with unique styles and mediums!
To wrap up this week of celebrations, we have live music starting at 7 PM. There will be a $5 entry at the door with funds going to support Switch Wicked Studios. Local musician, singer/songwriter Nirvana Hope will kick off the night. Then you may recognize this band from Win-A-Gig and Frog Wizard main stage 2026 - Corners of the Sky!
Nirvana Hope delivers emotional, quirky original music alongside 90s B-sides and alternative favorites.
Corners of the Sky is a noisy garage psych band based in Kansas City. Their new album drops June 5.
We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the local community as we move into the next chapter of Switch Wicked and Switch Wicked Studios. This space is for artists, by artists, and the growth of Switch Wicked Studios isn’t possible without you. Help us build the space you want to see for fellow artists and creators!
We can’t wait to create together!
