NEW: Art At The Fest

On Dublin's south side, there's a place called Merrion Square where every Sunday artists exhibit and hopefully sell their work. Paintings and drawings are hung on fences and leaned against walls. It's a scene that Irish Fest president Rory O'Connor remembers fondly from his Dublin days. So much so that he's decided we should have our own version right here at the Kansas City Irish Fest.

In the shady confines of Washington Square Park on the west side of the Irish Fest grounds, we hope to grow an art fair this year. If you're an artist and would like to be part of it, here's what you need to know:

"The Kansas City Irish Festival is proud to announce the first annual Art in the Park addition to their celebration of Celtic pride. Fifty artisans will be showcased in the beautiful tree-lined Washington Park, adjacent to Crown Center Square and in the heart of Kansas City’s burgeoning historical art district – the Crossroads. This year, the KC Irish Fest weekend corresponds with Kansas City’s First Fridays – the first Friday of each month when the Crossroads Community's art galleries, studios, and restaurants open their doors to showcase local and national artists.

The Kansas City Irish Festival, the fastest growing Irish festival in America, has an outstanding reputation among participants and visitors, attracting over 90,000 people annually. We showcase two dozen world class acts on five main stages, Irish heritage exhibits, fabulous traditional food, children’s activities, and an Irish Marketplace. Two hotels on site sell out over 2000 hotel nights over the weekend.

This juried festival is open to all emerging and established artists. Where we are looking to add to the cultural climate of a Celtic Festival, we would prefer but are not limited to Celtic themed art.

Media Categories

Digital Art, Drawing (pencil, ink, pastel, etc.), fibers, glass, leather work, metal works, mixed media (2D and 3D), painting (acrylics, oil, watercolor, etc.), photography, pottery, print making, sculpture, and wood turning. No crafts or jewelry accepted.

Jury Details

Approximately 50 artists will be selected by a jury of highly qualified art professionals selected for their balanced knowledge of fine and commercial art. A wait list consisting of 10 artists will be selected and notified as cancellations are received. ASATF reserves the right to balance our show through artists on the wait list.

Applications and all additional important information is available through Zapplications. org. Registration is required, but is free and easy. So go do that!