From the reflective beauty of Emily Cramer’s “Reverberation: Faith in Motion” exhibit at Four Chapter Gallery to the lively and family-friendly Third Friday Art Walk in downtown KCK, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with the city’s creative pulse. Mark your calendars for these exciting experiences that will spark creativity and conversation all season long.
Reverberation: Faith in Motion
Through Reverberation: Faith in Motion, Emily Cramer shows how artwork can go beyond the canvas and force its viewers to consider the emotions and lessons it invokes. The Kansas City artist’s dreamlike depictions of water and ripples are meant to show how our faith impacts others in ways more dramatic than we might imagine.
Open every Saturday throughout September and October at the Four Chapter Gallery, this thoughtful and heartfelt exhibit will have its opening reception, which will include an artist talk and Q&A, on the evening of Sept. 6.
Reception on September 6, 5:30–9 pm | Exhibit on Saturdays from September 7–October 26 | 208 W. 19th St., KCMO
Third Friday Art Walk
Every third Friday through October, artists and businesses set up booths and exhibits starting at EPIC Clay Studio in Downtown KCK for the Third Friday Art Walk, a celebration of local talent and creativity in the community. A program by Community Housing of Wyandotte County with the help of the Downtown Shareholders of Kansas City, Kansas, the event is great for the whole family. Check the digital map on their website to see each month’s vendors and events.
September 20 & October 18, 5–9 pm | 609 N. Sixth St., KCK
Plaza Art Fair
With three live music stages, over 20 restaurant booths and 240 artists spanning nine city blocks, the Plaza Art Fair, now in its 93rd year, isn’t just a well-known national event; it is a well-loved Kansas City tradition. More than 250,000 people from around the Midwest are expected to come appreciate one of the city’s best annual events.
While the fair features numerous talented artists who excel in everything from photography to jewelry, one highlight you won’t want to miss is the work of featured artist Lydia Randolph, a painter who often uses basic shapes to depict nature that typically has some connection to her life.
September 20–22, times vary | 4706 Broadway Blvd., KCMO
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Ready for a Manhattan movie night? This fall, Johnson County Library and the Lenexa Arts Council are hosting the area’s 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival at the Lenexa Civic Center. Film lovers from over 500 cities around the world will watch the top ten entries and vote for Best Film and Best Actor. The films chosen will qualify for the 2025 Oscars.
September 26, 6:30–9 pm | 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa
Susan Moreno Live Painting
This fall, local artist Susan Moreno will be installing the last portion of her painting at the Union Station KC Streetcar shelter. In the last of four opportunities to see Moreno’s paintings grow, guests are welcome to come speak with Moreno, watch her work and learn about her artwork.
As an Art of the Loop event, this live painting is one of many outdoor exhibitions and performances. The artists chosen for this honor are asked to create art inspired by the concept of convivencia, a Spanish word that means shared life, which highlights the joys and struggles of living in a world full of so many complex individuals.
October 4, 5–7 pm | 30 W. Pershing Road, KCMO
The 16th Annual Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale
With artwork inspired by the largest tallgrass prairie in North America, the Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale is a juried exhibition that aims to celebrate the beauty of the region and raise money for its care. Half of all proceeds from sales will go to Friends of Konza Prairie, which supports research and educational experiences in the Konza Prairie Biological Station—one of the largest remaining areas of the Flint Hills.
The exhibition at the Buttonwood Art Space will be open from Oct. 1 to Dec. 11, but come to the opening reception on Oct. 4 for live music and drinks.
October 4, 5–8 pm | 3013 Main St., KCMO
Local Artists Go Miniature
Go mini or go home! A new exhibition at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures will feature miniature objects created by local artists within 60 miles of Kansas City, all selected by a group of jurors to be part of the exhibit. Their artwork can depict any real or imagined object, but must be smaller than a foot all the way around. The exhibition’s opening reception on Oct. 25 will include food, drinks and entertainment, but don’t worry if you can’t make the special day. The art will be on display at the museum through June 9, 2025.
October 25, 6–8 pm | 5235 Oak St., KCMO
Minds in Motion Tour: My Favorite Things
The Nelson-Atkins Museum teams up with KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Alzheimer’s Association-Heart of America Chapter to create a free gallery tour for people who struggle with memory loss. With the help of specially trained docents who understand Alzheimer patients’ particular needs, these visitors, along with their caregivers, can appreciate the beauty the museum has to offer.
While the Minds in Motion series hosts several events throughout the year, this event will encourage its attendees to consider the sights, sounds and smells that the art suggests.
November 7, 1 pm | 4525 Oak St., KCMO
Holiday Kid Makers Market
These young makers truly prove that art knows no age. At the Holiday Kid Makers Market at Lenexa Public Market, attendees can shop for a variety of products made by artists under 18 years old. This event hopes to encourage and cultivate local children’s creativity while giving them the opportunity to promote and showcase their work.
November 24, 10 am–2 pm | 8750 Penrose Lane, Lenexa
What If Puppets ‘Shiver Me Paintbrush: A Pirate’s Adventure in Art‘
These puppet pirates are setting sail to new artistic waters. In this show intended for children in pre-K to second grade, First Mate Mâché must learn how to use art tools in order to find Captain Colorful. The goal of this performance at the Midwest Trust Center—and all events presented by the What If Puppets program—is to inspire play through puppetry, using stories to educate and connect to children.
December 4–7, times vary | 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park
– Listings by Daniella Barzello
