Art season in Kansas City kicks off with more than 180 artists at the 26th Brookside Art Annual, April 29 – May 1, presented by Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.
The Art Annual, centered under and around several tents set up at 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard, attracts a diverse group of local, national and international artists displaying art of all types and price ranges.
The event also attracts a diverse crowd – from families and groups of friends out enjoying the spring weather and the chance to browse and purchase eclectic art, to serious collectors who rely on the reputation of the Brookside Art Annual to attract and assemble a large and varied group of works. A wide variety of media – including acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber and jewelry – will be represented.
Artists’ booths are set up under tents, which allows the show to go on, rain or shine. The event hours are 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 30; and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.
A children’s art activity area will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Several Brookside restaurants will be serving food from booths during the fair, and light music will enhance the festive atmosphere each evening.
Shopping the Brookside Art Annual has additional rewards again this year with the return of the Gift Certificate Reward Program. With a purchase of $500 or more in art, customers will receive a $20 gift certificate to spend at any of the Brookside area businesses. Or, with a purchase of $250, customers will receive a $10 gift certificate. Details will be available at the information booth during the event.
Besides welcoming many out-of-state and international artists, the Art Annual’s four-paneled jury chose many local artists for this prestigious show. Exhibiting this year are local artists Edward Bartoszek, Michael Baxley, Shellie Bender, Harriett Bigham, Cathy Broski, Jerry Brown, Hsing Chang, Dick Daniels, Linda Flake, Suze Ford, Susan Hill, Frances Kite, Rusty Leffel, Anthony Pack, Chari Peak, Susan Speck, Judy Thompson, Cheryl Toh, Heinrich Toh and Glen & Gayle Wans.
Award winners from the 2010 event that will be returning this year are: Jennifer Falter, Melle Finelli, Cali Hobgood-Lemme, Frances Kite, Christy Klug, Chris McCarthy, James Petran, R. Michael Wommack and Nick Wroblewski.
A complete list of participating artists and schedule of events are available at www.brooksidekc.org/art-fair.html.
About Brookside Business Association
Brookside, a charming neighborhood in the heart of Kansas City, was originally planned and built in 1920, becoming the city’s first suburban shopping area. Today, Brookside is home to more than 70 shops, restaurants and services, all unique and in keeping with the original neighborhood charm and architecture.
The Brookside Business Association is a voluntary organization whose purpose is to create and preserve a pleasant surrounding for conducting business in Brookside. Located between Wornall and Main Street from 62nd Terrace to Meyer Blvd., Brookside is only minutes from the Plaza, Leawood, South Kansas City and many other Kansas City attractions. Visit www.brooksidekc.org for more information.