Topeka ? Attention artists, writers, poets and musicians who have ever drawn inspiration from the sites and sounds of the capital city — Justin Marable wants you to ReThink Topeka.

Marable, a local artist and member of the art collective Chords & Oil, is the person behind ReThink Topeka, a project that encourages area artists to learn about and visit sites in Topeka and use their impressions to create artistic works.

A kickoff event in September drew about 50 people, and Marable said interest in the project has grown steadily as others have learned about it through postcards, fliers, buttons, stickers, letters, phone calls, e-mails, Facebook and word of mouth.

“I have had lots of responses via e-mail from past and present Topekans,” Marable said. “Most have been positive remarks expressing gratitude for taking on this project.”

Marable and his family moved to Topeka from Lawrence three years ago, and Marable said they were faced with many negative perceptions of the city, which friends nicknamed the “armpit” of Kansas. As Marable grew attached to the city, he brainstormed the ReThink Topeka project to combat these perceptions by highlighting the city’s positives and give back to the community by soliciting artistic works to provide entertainment and bring people together.

“I feel that change is happening all around this city on a consistent basis, and this ReThink project is just one of the many pushing for change,” Marable said. “The arts are vital to any community and can provide fresh perspectives.”

Anyone residing in Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence, Emporia, Kansas City and surrounding communities of the region has until March 1 to submit works for a juried multimedia exhibition to be held during an art walk April 17. Any original visual, performance or literary work of art about Topeka is eligible, including 2D and 3D visual art, music, film, dance, performance art and poetry.

Some submissions already have been received, and Marable said he expects more to start coming in after the holiday season. He also has heard from an area high school art teacher and professors at Washburn University who have been encouraging their students to submit art.

A planned show was to feature the formal opening of an exhibit of screenprints of Marable’s work dealing with places in Topeka and written explanations of why he decided to “ReThink” each location.

The event also was to feature Topeka-centered poetry readings, the live music of local band Interior Sea and discussions about Topeka as inspiration for local artists.

“I’m hoping that people will use the show as inspiration to make their own ReThink Topeka art, or to begin expressing pride in this place we call home,” Marable said.