Local artists and top-quality, affordable art will again be the focus of PeaceWorks-KC’s 29th annual UNplaza Art Fair, slated for 10a.m.-6p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, and 10a.m.-5p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22.
A tent city of some 100+ artists will be onsite at Southmoreland Park, immediately west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, between Oak Street and Warwick Boulevard.
Thousands of original artworks will be for sale at the event, including ceramics, jewelry, glass art, wood carving, mixed media, fiber art, photography, and paintings.
Equity consultant Diane Burkholder is working to increase participation of new and emerging artists, including persons from various ethnicities, the LGBTQIA community, the differently abled, and immigrants.
The UNplaza Art Fair is family and pet friendly; food trucks will be onsite. New this year will be a performing arts space for musicians and spoken-word artists performing throughout the weekend. Space will also be provided for community organizations to tell their story and share information about their programs and services.
The fair is staffed by more than 75 volunteers who serve as cashiers, shuttle drivers, and traffic control. All proceeds go to the artists and peace-related projects, such as conflict resolution training for the Urban Ranger Corps of KC, MO; support for The Learning Club of KC, KS; and peace studies awards for Avila University students.
The art fair sponsor, PeaceWorks, Kansas City, began in 1982 as the Nuclear Weapons Freeze committee of the Kansas City Interfaith Peace Alliance and became the Kansas City Nuclear Weapons Freeze Coalition, the metropolitan area’s leading voice against the nuclear arms race.
Artist applications are due Aug. 15 and can be accessed here.
Community organization applications are at: tinyurl.com/unplazaoutreach.
To volunteer, contact: tinyurl.com/unplazavolunteer.
Two UNplaza artists’ events will be held in conjunction with the art fair:
Saturday, August 17, 4:00-5:30 – Artists as Brand- by Vania Soto
Do struggle between how you market yourself as an artist and your work? Participants will learn about the importance of branding and marketing of oneself as an artist, above and beyond promotion of “the art.”
Vania Soto – Kansas City Fine Artist Vania has been a selling artist for 13 years, but has been an artist all her life. Inspired by artists such as the great Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and other Mexican cultural icons she incorporates traditions such as Día de Los Muertos into her works.
Tuesday, August 27, 6:00-7:30 PM – Get a Second Look: How to capture the right customer
What is it that you don’t know (or, afraid to ask) about vending? Participants will learn how to create an inviting atmosphere for customers as well as tips and best practices for fair contract review and preparation.
Clarissa Knighten– Clarissa’s inborn creativity for design and embellishment lead her to become an entrepreneur in 2007. Her business, Rissa’s Artistic Design(R.A.D.) is a haven for those who seek something special and unique. As a self-taught artist, she hand crafts one-of-a-kind original masterpieces that will inspire your creative side. These designs range from Earthy to Edgy to Elegant. Utilizing artistic wire and gemstones. These custom made pieces can transform any outfit into a creative expression that is made just for you.
E-mail peaceworkskc@gmail.com for more info about the workshops.
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—By Jim Hannah of PeaceWorks-KC
