The recession is (possibly) over (perhaps), but if you’ve been looking for ways to goose the next consumer spending report, we suggest a trip this weekend to the Plaza Art Fair.
It’s one of Kansas City’s biggest annual events, of course, and a terrific opportunity to ogle lots of interesting-looking art and interesting-looking people.
You don’t have to spend a dime if you don’t want to. Parking (assuming you can find a spot) is free, browsing is free and listening to music on three stages is free. New this year: the Plaza Unplugged stage, which is just what it sounds like.
But if you’d like to buy a piece of art, you might actually be bolstering the national economy: Many of the 240 artists are from across the country. (Note to President Barack Obama and Congress: Cash for Clunkers was fine and dandy, but have you thought about subsidizing art fairs?)
Last year’s Plaza Art Fair came just after the collapse of Lehman Bros. and a tumultuous week on Wall Street. One thing the fair’s organizers know is that they can’t control the economy or the weather. But sales-wise, “I didn’t hear any overwhelming negative comments” from artists, says Kara Lowe, the fair’s director.
Looking to spend less than $50? Some good bets can be found among the photo prints and jewelry, Lowe says. Matted but unframed paintings can be budget-friendly, too. Or if you want to spend upwards of $2,000, that’s no problem, either.
If you like art but love to eat, you’ll find lots of variety, from froufrou (butter lettuce cups with duck confit) to fast food (hamburgers and hot dogs). Most entrees at the outdoor food tents are priced between $5 and $10, Lowe says, with mixed drinks and cocktails typically $3 to $5. Noshing at the art fair is an inexpensive way to experience some of the Plaza’s finest eateries. And if you want to go in and sit down, you can do that, too.
If there’s anything that will keep you away, it might be parking or getting in and out. But “you’ll be able to find a parking spot,” Lowe says. The Plaza has a dozen garages, and parking coordinators will be posted at each to direct fairgoers to available spaces.
So you’re all set.
Just remember: Artists don’t appreciate it when you eye their work and say something like, “An 8-year-old could have done this!” But they, and no doubt Ben Bernanke, do appreciate it when you buy something.
By TIM ENGLE
The Kansas City Star
Posted By: Daniel Moss
Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 8:22PM
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