Season’s final ‘Walk’ connects people with art, entertainment in Lee’s Summit
.jpeg "Art School KC displayed work during a Fourth Fridays Art Walk in the spring. The nonprofit will be showcasing its renovated space and gallery on Friday.")
If the weather cooperates Friday, around 400 people will engage with local artists and their work in downtown Lee’s Summit, all while enjoying a variety of entertainment and events.
The Fourth Fridays Art Walk runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26, and showcases local artists, live music and social gatherings in downtown Lee’s Summit. Participating shops and restaurants will offer refreshments, entertainment and more.
The Art Walk started in April of this year. This is the final Walk of 2022 before it starts up again in spring 2023.
About 20 artists will display their work via pop-ups or showcases inside downtown Lee’s Summit businesses. Although this popular event runs only through August, many other festivities will draw crowds to the city for the remainder of the year, said Rachael Fitch, creative content and design coordinator at Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.
“The art walk is a unique event,” Fitch said. “When it started, it was a way to really bring our small business owners together with the arts community in order to help bring awareness to local businesses, while also making artwork accessible to people who may not have the opportunity to see it.”
New art attractions this year include an appearance from Art School KC, a nonprofit organization in Lee’s Summit that connects arts-minded people of all ages. Art School hosts art lessons and ongoing arts courses, and empowers artists to hone their craft while gaining knowledge and experience.
Diana Rendell, creative director and co-founder of Art School KC, said showcasing community members’ art at the event is an exciting experience.
“I’m an artist as well, and I’ve had this dream for a while,” Rendell said. “I’m excited about the people in our gallery. Being able to show talented artists in our midst and provide opportunities for the community to get out and experience visual arts is an incredible feeling.”
Another feature for the end of this summer’s Fourth Fridays Art Walk is the volunteer appreciation party in the alley. Artists will mingle during this time, but the purpose of the party is to honor the volunteers who help orchestrate events throughout the year, Fitch said, adding that the Fourth Friday Art Walk is well-loved in Lee’s Summit.
“It’s great to see so many people walking around, enjoying downtown and taking in the creativity that we have in the community.”
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM.