ART WESTPORT 2014
The Art Westport 2014 show is the 35th for the organization. The annual festival has become a Kansas City tradition. The three-day event will take place in Historic Westport, providing the perfect backdrop for a “Kansas City” Artists Fair. Top artists from around the Metro will line the streets of Westport showcasing their original art, unique jewelry, fine crafts and much more. The dates are Sept. 5-7 with the show opening at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 and closing at 5 p.m. Sept. 7.
BRUSH CREEK ART WALK
The Brush Creek Art Walk is a bit different from a traditional art festival. The uniqueness starts with artists scattered across four miles of Brush Creek, painting and conversing while some musicians play. The goal of the organizers is simple, “to help unify the artists, and the people.” The weekend event is Sept. 12-13.
Then the artists will display their work at the Bruce R. Watkin’s Cultural Center. The opening reception is Oct. 7. The public is invited to view the juried paintings. The art will be on display through Oct. 24.
ANNUAL PLAZA ART FAIR
The 83rd Annual Plaza Art Fair runs Sept. 19 –Sept. 21. One of the largest festivals in the area, the exhibiting artists journey from all over the United States. The exhibitions also include culinary arts and a kids’ art workshop area. Along with the art, there will be three stages for music.
UNPLAZA ART FAIR
This annual fundraiser for PeaceWorks will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 and from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 21. The fair is on the grounds of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut, across the street from the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. As the fair enters its 23rd year, volunteers shared that the festival began on the front yard of one of the board member’s yards and has grown to the church grounds. There will be about 75 to 80 artists representing all art media.
SUMMIT ART FESTIVAL
Last year, the former Longview Art & World Music Festival moved to downtown Lee’s Summit and was renamed the Summit Art Festival. For the second year, the festival Oct. 10-12 will again be in downtown Lee’s Summit. “We have really enjoyed the move as the city of Lee’s Summit is encouraging more participation with the downtown district. The city passed a bond to create a festival plaza and we are enjoying the venue,” says Teresa Hogan Keene, festival director. Keene also runs Got Art Gallery on Third, an independent nonprofit gallery “dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape through art exhibition, arts education and professional artist development.” Keene is a mixed media artist as well.
Keene says artists lead the way on the festival. “We are an art festival created by artists,” she says. “We have support from artists who have been participating in festivals for 30 years. In the past few years, the post-festival response has been so positive. Artists like the hospitality from the festival staff and the businesses are welcoming. We are so fortunate to have Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit as the presenting sponsor.”
This year, the Summit Art Festival plans on 90 artists from around the country with acceptance letters sent to artists in New York to Las Vegas. “It’s a good mix of style from traditional to contemporary and every media you can expect including fiber art, wood, painters, photography, and jewelry.” Last year, the crowd was estimated at around 25,000 for the three-day event. “With an art festival, the joy is the ability to come in and talk to the artists. Patrons aren’t buying random pieces, but making contact with the artists and learning the story behind the piece. The ability to talk to the artists is a treat and artists who participate in festivals like the interaction.”
