Visual Arts

Wrapped Walk Ways

A gift from the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, “Wrapped Walk Ways” is an exhibition of photographs and other pieces of memorabilia that tell the story of the Christos’ 1978 Loose Park art installation. For two weeks in October of 1978, the Bulgarian-born artist Christo and his partner, Jeanne-Claude, vividly transformed the park by covering 2.7 miles of paths with shimmering, saffron-colored nylon fabric, altering the way visitors experience the park.

Although the Christos conceived “Wrapped Walk Ways” as a temporary installation, its legacy continues both in this exhibition and in the memories of those who encountered it. Last year, the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation gave the museum a trove of preparatory works, architectural plans, documents and photographs related to “Wrapped Walk Ways.” Drawn from that gift, this exhibition tells the story of this breakthrough art project that brought Kansas City international attention.

On display now through January 18, 2026. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

ArtSalon: Biennial Alumni Exhibition

Head over to the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2025 alumni exhibition to see what former KCAI students are creating right now. Whether you’re collecting or just want to take a look, the annual exhibition is always a good show. There will also be an opening reception, bringing together alumni, faculty, collectors and patrons, that’s open to anyone who wants to meet the artists and celebrate this year’s exhibition.

Every piece in the show is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and the KCAI Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.

September 6–October 19. KCAI Gallery.

Third Friday Art Walk

Each third Friday through October, take a stroll through downtown KCK and experience local art and food. Whether you want to cool off with shaved ice or watch an artist paint live, the Art Walk has something for everyone. Bring the whole family or come together with friends to enjoy an evening of celebrating all things local. Maybe you’ll even come home with an art piece to display in your home.

September 19 & October 24. 5 pm. Strawberry Hill.

Manhattan Short Film Festival

Kansas Citians can play a part in the 2026 Academy Awards this fall. The Johnson County Library and the Lenexa Arts Council will host the 28th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Audience members will be among the 500 other cities with short film festivals allowed to vote on the best film and the best actor from a top 10 short film list. Last year’s winner—Room Taken— was shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. 

September 25. 6:30–9:30 pm. Lenexa Community Forum.

18th and Vine Arts Festival 

This weekend of arts, fashion, film, food and music celebrates Black culture in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. Each day will highlight a variety of local arts. On Friday, watch a runway fashion show and a local Black film showcase. Saturday features over 100 local artists and vendors with jazz and R&B tribute concerts throughout the day. On the festival’s final day, be sure to come with an empty stomach to enjoy culinary creations by local vendors and peruse the community marketplace. 

September 26–28. Times vary. 18th and Vine Jazz District.

Visions of the Flint Hills

At this annual art benefit and sale, celebrate the beautiful plains of Kansas, portrayed through art pieces inspired by the Flint Hills’ landscapes—the largest tallgrass prairie in North America. Artists from around the country find themselves inspired by the region and present their pieces at the Buttonwood Art Space this fall. Half of the proceeds go to the artists themselves, while the other half benefit the Friends of Konza Prairie, which promotes education and research in the Flint Hills. Although the sale is open from October through November 10, a First Friday reception with live music and refreshments will be held on October 4.

October 1–November 10. Times vary. Buttonwood Art Space.

Raven Halfmoon

Building on the Kemper Museum’s legacy of visionary commissions, the museum will present a solo exhibition by artist and Native American Raven Halfmoon. Known for her monumental ceramic sculptures, Halfmoon has emerged as a leading artistic voice. Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Halfmoon’s influences range from ancient Indigenous pottery, Moai monoliths and elements of Western culture, such as cowboy hats. For this exhibition, she explores the various cultural histories that make up Kansas City.

November 14–April 19, 2026. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Linda Lighton: “Love & War, A Fifty-Year Survey, 1975-2025”

Born into an affluent Kansas City family, ​​Linda Lighton was expected to marry well and become a housewife. Instead, she became an artist, helped publish a leftist newspaper and joined a commune in Washington state. Now, Lighton presents her ceramics at the Nerman Museum. Her sculpture captures her story and the universal story of love and politics and social strife over the past 50 years of her career. The exhibition—which focuses on gun violence, gender inequality and environmental activism—is accompanied by a 208-page book, chronicling her boundary-pushing ceramic work. 

December 13–May 3. Times vary. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

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