Historic West Bottoms Association 2nd Annual Plein Air Weekend

With 39 pre-registered artists and many more expected, our 2nd Annual Historic West Bottoms/HWBA2024 ‘Plein Air’ (Painting Outdoor) Weekend continues to pay tribute to the impressive legacy of a highly dedicated Kansas City Outdoor Painter for over 50 years, Livestock Exchange Studio Artist and retired KCAI Professor, Wilbur Niewald (1925-2022).

The weekend of Friday, May 17th and Saturday May 18th for participating artists and the viewing public provides 3 Quick Paint/Paint Out Events, each focused on the West Bottoms District as a theme for artists to capture in traditional mediums (eg. oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache or pastel). Finalized and framed works will be displayed and for sale to the public following each of the three individual Purchase Awards (see times below) with a $500 Sponsorship* paid directly to the selected winning artist in exchange for their work.

With pristine overlooks from Strawberry Hill to the West, along Summit Street/HNTB parking lot and Case Park to the East, artists driving through the West Bottoms have always been inspired to visually capture the historic significance of this Kansas City Landmark District. The public is encouraged to stop by our KCParks registration/display tents to view and purchase works on display. NOTE: Our new location for this year is at the Livestock Exchange Building 1600 Genesee St, Kansas City, MO 64102 (west parking lot out back).  Register as an artist or see the works on display (and for sale) during judging and following each of the 3 events.