The Story of the Plaza Art Fair
1981 Plaza Art Fair. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
Nestled amid the elegant architecture and bustling streets of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza is a tradition that has transcended generations - the Plaza Art Fair. This beloved event, now a nationally renowned celebration of art, food, and music, has a rich history that dates back to the darkest days of the Great Depression.
A Plan to Lift Spirits During the Great Depression
1935: The 4th Annual Plaza Art Fair at the SW corner of Central and Alameda (now Nichols Rd). Courtesy-SHSMO.
In the early 1930s, as the United States grappled with the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, the Plaza Merchants Association embarked on a mission to breathe life and vitality into their cherished shopping district. They sought innovative ways to attract customers and lift the spirits of a beleaguered community. And so, in 1932, against the backdrop of economic hardship, the Plaza Art Fair was born.
Imagine stepping back in time to that year, where an empty lot stood at the southwest corner of Nichols Road and Central Street, precisely where Tiffany & Co. graces the Plaza today. This vacant canvas of possibility became the stage for a remarkable event. Ninety artists gathered to display their creations, paintings that ranged in price from a modest dollar to a still-accessible ten dollars. To showcase their art, these early pioneers leaned their masterpieces against the natural beauty of trees and welcoming benches.
However, the Plaza Art Fair was not merely an art exhibition; it was a gathering of kindred spirits. Artists relished the opportunity to interact with one another and engage in conversations with the curious crowds who gathered to appreciate their work. This inaugural event was deemed an unqualified success by all who attended, and a consensus emerged - the Plaza Art Fair should continue.
Impressive Growth and Triumphs
1988: Nichols Rd east of Pennsylvania. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
And continue it has, evolving and expanding over the decades. What began as a modest gathering on a single lot has now blossomed into a magnificent affair that stretches across nine city blocks. In the 1940s, the fair found its home in what we now know as Chandler Courtyard, right by The Cheesecake Factory. In those early days, artists constructed makeshift screens using chicken wire, their fingers crossed in hope as they braved the unpredictable weather.
One of the defining moments in the Plaza Art Fair's history came during the tumultuous year of 1977. On September 12th of that year, a devastating flood wreaked havoc on the Plaza and the city itself. Lives were tragically lost, and destruction was widespread. Yet, in the face of this adversity, the Plaza Art Fair stood strong. Just ten days after the catastrophe, a resilient community gathered to clean up the Plaza and prepare for the fair. It was a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Kansas City.
Legacy and Future
Courtesy: plazaartfair.com
Today, the Plaza Art Fair is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, community, and resilience. More than two hundred merchants proudly display their art, offering a vast array of captivating pieces available for purchase. The fair is not merely a celebration of art; it's a vibrant cultural tapestry that includes delectable cuisine from numerous restaurants and live music performances that harmonize beautifully with the surroundings.
Throughout its storied history, the Plaza Art Fair has been a beacon of hope, a symbol of creativity, and a beloved Kansas City tradition. Even in the face of adversity, including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the fair has persisted.
Today, the Plaza Art Fair remains a cherished tradition, an embodiment of resilience, and Kansas City's unofficial welcome to the vibrant fall season. As it continues to evolve and adapt, it leaves us with the exciting anticipation of what the future may hold for this timeless celebration of art and community.