First Friday exhibits creativity

"If you do not support artists, there is no art."

An ad placed in The Pitch for Support ArtsKC.org read. This is so true, and what other great opportunity we have than to discover the local downtown galleries every first Friday of the month.

Every "First Friday", as it the event is now called, galleries will stay open later, there can be live music in the air, and you can find many food purveyors within the Crossroads Art District in downtown Kansas City.

The Crossroads Art District is a centralized area of downtown where you can find galleries, restaurants and storefronts. Home to hundreds of artists and independent studios, the Crossroads Arts District is one of the most concentrated gallery districts in the nation.

First Fridays art walk is open to anyone who is interested. The atmosphere is almost like a theme park only instead of Ferris wheels and coasters, you get to see art and listen to music being played in the streets.

What is special about going to see the galleries on First Fridays as opposed to a typical week day is quite noticeable. Just be glad it is now open to the public. Back when the idea of having a cooperative open gallery time in the Crossroads it was limited to a certain audience.

The art within the galleries themselves vary from gallery to gallery. Some owners will even show their own works or show different artists in a rotation.

As for the economy effecting business a major impact has been felt by artists and gallery owners.

All the same, there is still a marvelous time to be had in the party-like atmosphere that seems to appear on the First Friday of every month, regardless of the amount of cash in your pocket. It costs nothing to look, and the vibe is catchy. If you have the time and it is nearing the first of the month, I urge you to experience the art community of the Kansas City Crossroads Art District.