Enjoy the arts on "First Friday"

Enjoy the arts on "First Friday"

The Crossroads district of Kansas City, centered at 19th Street and Baltimore Avenue, is a mile wide area of downtown bounded by 15th St., I-35, the Freighthouse district, and Troost Avenue. It is here that the Kansas City community can experience a popular tradition—the First Friday Gallery Walk.

On the first Friday of every month, galleries in the Crossroads district offer free admission between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. On many occasions, these late-night openings also coincide with the opening receptions of new installations in the galleries. One of the must-see galleries is the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center and its sister gallery, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art, both located on 20th Street between Baltimore and Main. Other popular galleries include The Blue Gallery (19th and Grand), Cube at Beco (19th and Baltimore), and the blossoming photography gallery at Studio B (2016 Main).

Not only can art lovers experience the art within the galleries but they can also enjoy the street performers. These performers range in variety from musicians to magicians to fire dancers. Also, some restaurants in the area offer First Friday specials on appetizers and drinks, making for a delicious beginning or end to the evening.

The next First Friday event will be May 1. For more information on First Friday Gallery Walk, visit www.kccrossroads.org.