On July 20th the Brookside Business Association and the the Brookside Community Improvement District announced the cancellation of the 35th Brookside Art Annual, originally scheduled for May 1st through 3rd and then rescheduled for September 18th through 20th. “It is with great sadness that we share the difficult decision made to cancel the 2020 Brookside Art Annual. This decision was made after weeks of careful deliberation about the challenging and evolving impacts of COVID-19 and consultation with artists and local health officials. As an event that relies on the regional and national travel of artists and hosts many at-risk demographics, we are confident this is the best decision to ensure the safety of artists and our community during this time,” said Kim Harris, President of the Brookside CID. “We look forward to returning stronger next year. We know how much everyone will miss the show and can’t wait to celebrate in 2021.”
Although the show will not be hosted in person, patrons are encouraged to support artists online. “We love working with the artists and hate how tough this year has been on the art community. To help we have listed the 2020 artists with links to their webpages at BrooksideArtAnnual.com,” said Executive Director Sean Ackerson. “We hope it encourages art patrons to buy online this year and creates some excitement to see the artists in person 2021.”
To help, artists juried into the 2020 event will also receive refunds and will be given an option to return for the 2021 event or to reapply for the 2021 show at a later date. Donna Potts, show director, said the decision was easy when considering how so many artists are affected by the inability to attend shows this year. “We truly wish were able to hold the show this year, but we know it’s the right decision. Many artists are hurting right now and the refunds and ability to participate in 2021 will help.” Each year, the Brookside Art Annual brings top artists from around the country to the middle of the Kansas City metro and consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to Art Source. “The show is one of the top selling shows for artists every year and being selected is extremely competitive. That is why we draw such great artists and have over 1000 artists apply to fill the 180 spots available. Being able to return without being juried in again will be a huge benefit next year.”
The show is possible in part due to the support of our generous sponsors. “Research Medical Center is proud to be a long-time presenting sponsor of the Brookside Art Fair. We are disappointed that the event has to be canceled this year, but we know that in the current COVID-19 environment, this is the right decision for everyone,” said Corrine Everson Dix, Vice President of Marketing for Research. Special thanks also to Cosentino’s Family Foods, including Cosentino’s Price Chopper and Cosentino’s Market in Brookside. In addition to being a supporting sponsor Cosentino’s also sponsors the activities tent which not only helps entertain kids attending the show, but also helps instill an early appreciation for the arts. True to the goal of entertaining and building an appreciation for art, Brookside is developing an activities page to be shared online and at participating Brookside merchants throughout the year to help foster our budding artists.
Thanks again to everyone for their support. We look forward to seeing you in 2021. Meanwhile, please continue to shop local and support Brookside.