Fairs/Festivals
Lenexa Art Fair 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 3
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
The City of Lenexa is proud to present the twelvth annual Lenexa Art Fair, a one-day, juried art show that connects fine artists with the community.
The Lenexa Art Fair takes place in the outdoor venue at the Lenexa civic campus in the exciting and developing Lenexa City Center located in Johnson County, Kan., about 12 miles south of Kansas City, Mo.
The civic campus includes a Public Market, Rec Center, City Hall, Farmers' Market, Art Gallery, Johnson County Library and parking garage. The venue is located next to luxury apartments, the Shawnee Mission School District aquatics facility and near fine dining, hotels, and single family homes.
Known as the “City of Festivals,” Lenexa is considered a metro leader in organizing exceptional annual events that attract thousands of visitors, such as the annual Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Spinach Festival and Chili Challenge. We provide outstanding customer service as our goal is to provide an excellent experience for our exhibitors, vendors and the public.
The Lenexa Art Fair takes place in the outdoor venue at the Lenexa civic campus in the exciting and developing Lenexa City Center located in Johnson County, Kan., about 12 miles south of Kansas City, Mo.
The civic campus includes a Public Market, Rec Center, City Hall, Farmers' Market, Art Gallery, Johnson County Library and parking garage. The venue is located next to luxury apartments, the Shawnee Mission School District aquatics facility and near fine dining, hotels, and single family homes.
Known as the “City of Festivals,” Lenexa is considered a metro leader in organizing exceptional annual events that attract thousands of visitors, such as the annual Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Spinach Festival and Chili Challenge. We provide outstanding customer service as our goal is to provide an excellent experience for our exhibitors, vendors and the public.
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General Information
Event Contact Info
www.lenexa.com/artfair
Susanne Neely, event coordinator
913-477-7131 or sneely@lenexa.com
Lenexa Parks and Recreation
17201 W. 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66219
Show Date and Hours
10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2027
Media Categories
The Lenexa Art Fair welcomes art exhibitors in the following categories:
- 2D: Painting, Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Drawing, Pastel, Photography, Mixed-Media, Printmaking/Graphics, Digital, Other
- 3D: Sculpture, Wood, Metal, Ceramics, Clay, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Stone, Other.
Artist Benefits
- $500 Prize for Best of Show
- $300 Prizes for First Place in 2D and 3D
- $200 Prizes for Second Place in 2D and 3D
- $100 Prizes for Third Place in 2D and 3D
- $50 Prize(s) for Honorable Mention
- Winners will be automatically invited to the 2028 show
- Security at event
- Rental tent with vinyl side walls provided at no extra charge
- Welcome goody bag with snacks for each artist
- Complimentary donuts and juice for breakfast
- Free bottled water for artists
- Free nearby parking for artists
- Booth sitters to assist during artist breaks
- Artist list on city website for promotion
- No percentage collected; artist keeps sales
- Event advertising and promotion
- Free public admission, parking and event shuttle
Artist Schedule
- Application deadline: January 15, 2027
- Jury schedule: January 19 - 29, 2027
- Artist notification: February 10, 2027
- Invitation acceptance deadline; booth payments due: March 8, 2027
- Wait list contacted to fill vacancies begins: March 10, 2027
- Last date to cancel and request booth refund: April 1, 2027
- Booth location notification: April 2027
- Artist drop-off of large items, equipment: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 7, 2027
- Artist check-in, setup at event: 7-8 a.m., May 8, 2027
Application and Booth Fees
- Jury application fee: $25 (non-refundable)
- 10x10' Booth Space (tent included); no double booths available: $100
- Corner Space (limited availability): $30 additional
- Electricity at booth (limited availability): $25 additional (5-10 amps for lighting)
Application Process
- Please submit 5 photos (one showing your booth setup) with your application showing the type and quality of the work you intend to display. Artists may only show work in categories and types of work approved by the jury. Be sure your photos are of quality and clearly represent your work.
- Artists may apply in more than one category, but a separate application and fee are required for each category. Substantially different work is required for each category. Please create a separate Zapp profile for each category for which you are applying.
- Collaborating artists may apply to participate in the Lenexa Art Fair. Only joint work may be shown and sold. Both artists' names must appear on the application materials, and both artists must contribute to the creation of the art.
- A wait list will be selected to ensure a balanced show. Artists will be notified by email as spaces open.
Jury Process
This show will include approximately 50 artists chosen by a jury comprising qualified, experienced fine art judges drawn from a pool of artists, curators, gallery operators, art educators and the Lenexa Arts Council. The jury process is a blind process. Artists’ submitted images will be viewed along with their brief description of work. When submitting booth images, please do not include photos showing the artist or the artist's branding. The jury will seek a balance of quality art representing the various categories. Artists who are accepted into the show will receive invitations by email through Zapp. They will have the opportunity at that time to accept or decline the invitation to the show.
Application Requirements
- Artists must be present during the entire event and must personally staff their booth space. No subletting or sharing booth space is allowed. No agents, dealers or representatives may attend the event in place of the artist. Volunteer booth sitters will be available to cover for artists during breaks.
- All artwork in every category must be the original, handcrafted creation of the approved artist (no kits, mass-produced, manufactured or buy-sell items accepted). No non-original promotional items, including postcards, notecards, posters, apparel, etc. may be sold in artists’ booths. Artwork exhibited must match the quality and style of work as represented in the jury process. The jury committee reserves the right to refuse display of work that is not consistent with submitted images and the Lenexa Art Fair rules.
- Artists may show only work in categories as approved by the jury. Only artists accepted in the jewelry category may display or sell jewelry. The jury committee reserves the right to remove from display, any artwork or items not in keeping with the event standards and/or substantially different from those images submitted to the jury.
- Artists must define “limited edition” in their Artist Statement, and they must disclose their process to the buyer. Original work must occupy more than 50% of the artist’s booth space. Reproductions of 2-D pieces must be labeled.
- All hanging work(s) must be framed or have finished edges. Prints must be appropriately matted and framed, and must be displayed in a portfolio or stand.
- Photographers must print their own photography or be involved in and oversee the printing process of their work.
- Ceramic works must be handcrafted by the artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
- Artists chosen to participate are responsible for collecting and paying applicable taxes for all sales made at the event.
- Artists chosen to participate are encouraged to carry liability insurance.
- Artists must comply with all staff and security regarding safety and regulations. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas; non-compliance will result in elimination from consideration for any future shows.
- Booth spaces are assigned by the Lenexa Art Fair staff and are not interchangeable and may not be transferred or traded.
- Artists may not occupy space outside their assigned booth space.
- The Lenexa Art Fair/City of Lenexa may use selected artist images for Art Fair advertising.
- This event is a family-oriented event. Artwork intended for mature audiences will not be considered. On-site representatives will be enforcing this policy throughout the show.
- Refunds will not be given to artists in connection with any disputes that result in the artist being disqualified from appearing at the show, regardless of whether the disqualification occurs before or after the show opens.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
150
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
39
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
11
Booth Information
Booth Space & Requirements
- Booth spaces are 10x10’ in size for a cost of $100. No double booths are available.
- Rental tents (with vinyl side walls installed) will be provided at no extra charge to the artist. Artists who wish to use their own tents MUST contact the show director by March 31 to see if it will be allowed (we have limited areas where artists' own tents will be allowed). Artists who are approved to use their own tents must supply their own white tent and weights (no stakes allowed); tents should be set up during the Friday setup time.
- Limited electrical hookups are available for an additional fee. Electricity must be requested at the time of application. Electricity is intended for lighting (5-10 amps will be provided). No radios, coffee pots or other appliances allowed. Generators are not allowed.
- Artist must supply all display materials, screens, chairs, tables, electrical cords, etc. Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. Racks should be covered. Booth risers are not allowed unless approved by the show organizer. Handwritten signs and sale signs should be in keeping with the aesthetic quality of the event.
- Please see the sample event layout map attached to this application for the approximate layout of the event. Most artist booths are located on the hard surface. Some changes to the event area/layout or booth assignments may be necessary. We will keep artists informed of any changes.
Artist Check-in and Setup
Artists are strongly encouraged to drop off large items and display equipment from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2027 for a better chance of getting closer loading zone parking and to avoid traffic and congestion the morning of the event.
The Lenexa Farmers Market will be operating in the same event space as the Art Fair from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 8, so setup and event traffic that morning could be challenging. Artists have the option of opening their booths early on Saturday morning to take advantage of shoppers in the area for the Farmers Market. Check-in and setup for artists who choose to wait until Saturday is from 7-8 a.m.
Overnight security is provided, but the City of Lenexa is not responsible for any damage or loss of work or equipment and supplies due to theft, weather, etc.
Event staff will greet you as you arrive, provide you an artists’ packet and direct you to your booth location. The artists’ packet will include your name badge and booth number. Please wear your name badge during festival hours.
Inclement Weather
Lenexa Art Fair does not have an inclement weather makeup date. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. The event will go on as planned even in rainy or inclement weather conditions. The City of Lenexa reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary due to unsafe conditions. For weather cancellation information, call 913-477-7170.
Artists should anticipate inclement weather and bring rain covers, tie-downs and weights.
Refund Policy
Refunds will be given to artists who cancel by April 1, 2027.
Additional Fees
Single Booth Space, tent with sides provided (10x10 feet): $100
Electricity access at booth (5-10 amps for lighting): $25
Corner space: $30