KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thousands of people filled the streets of Westport this weekend for the 45th annual Art Westport Festival – the city’s largest and longest-running showcase for local artists.
For Kansas City entrepreneur Lisa Hadley, the event was extra special.
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Hadley started Friends of Hadley a decade ago, creating stuffed animals for friends’ babies before turning her passion into a business.
This year marked her first time selling dolls and prints at the festival.
“It’s kids, it’s adults, it’s kind of all walks of life and to see them have a genuine reaction to something you’ve made and put your heart and soul into. There’s really nothing better and I think that that’s why we do this,” Hadley said.
Her friend Kellie Bloxson, owner of Kellie Bloxson Designs, encouraged her to take part. Bloxson specializes in mixed media collage and says the best part of art fairs is the face-to-face connection.
“That is the most rewarding part about doing art fairs. You get the face-to-face interaction, and I have to say Kansas City is the most supportive local community of local artists and so seeing people smile with your artwork…there’s really not a better feeling,” Bloxson said.
Organizers say more than 100 local artists showcased their work this year, with something for everyone – from paintings and jewelry to wood, metal, ceramics, and mixed media.
Special Events Manager Tia Simpson calls it an inclusive community celebration.
“Painters, we’ve got jewelers, we’ve got metal, wood, ceramics, mixed media, all the things, so something for everyone.”
The festival continues to grow each year, drawing families from across the metro to celebrate creativity and support Kansas City’s vibrant art scene.
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