This week, we highlight a local artist supporting other local talent in his downtown studio. Cody Sanders owns and runs Subvert Studio on Iron Ave. If you have not heard or been in before, it is not your average tattoo shop. The space serves another invaluable purpose for artists in our community. Cody was determined to do something different and had to get a special usage permit to see this unique space come to life.

Here is part of Cody’s story:

In 2005, I embarked on my artistic journey after graduating from Salina Central. Seeking new horizons, I migrated to Chicago in 2006, driven by a fervent pursuit of music, fine art, and tattooing. The Windy City became my canvas, nurturing my creativity and shaping my artistic vision.

In 2012, I returned to Kansas, driven by a passion for tattooing and the “simple life.” This led to the inception of Subvert Studio in 2021, my own private tattoo shop and gallery in downtown Salina. My artistic evolution took a new turn in 2023, as I ventured into muralism, leaving my mark on the streets of Salina, Newton, and Junction City. These public works serve as testaments to my dedication to enriching communities through art. I am also listed on the Kansas Mural Roster list and available for large-scale commissions.

Over the past three years at Big Booty Trudy's and other private events, I have brought my art to life through live painting, infusing events with spontaneity and creativity. It is in these moments that the true essence of art shines through – connecting people and sparking imaginations. You can find two of my works permanently installed at Trudy’s.

My painting of Cozy Inn titled ‘100 yrs’ was selected for the "Kansas Through the Eyes of an Artist" exhibition hosted by Carriage Factory Gallery in Newton, Kansas, in January of 2024.

Now, as I continue to seek artists to show at my gallery, my passion is uplifting local talent. My space is more than a venue; it is a platform for emerging artists to shine and grow, bridging the gap between creativity and community.

"Creative Connections" is more than a spotlight; it is a celebration of art's power to unite and inspire. Join me on this journey as we illuminate the pathways between artist and audience, creating connections that resonate long after the paint has dried.

Remember to stop by Subvert Studio during First Friday events each month. If you are interested in showing work in the gallery, please contact Cody by email at 2cody.sanders@Gmail.com or by phone at 785 829 0858.