July 25, 2020
For the past several months, Summit Art has been working diligently to support art in our local community with the health and safety of artists, volunteers and the public as its top priority. The Summit Art Board of Directors regretfully announced today that the Summit Art Festival on the streets of downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has been cancelled for 2020.
“This pandemic situation has been devastating to the art industry, our local community, our artists and our organization. We became increasingly concerned about being able to produce a large-scale, outdoor festival like ours, yet still maintain all the social distancing recommendations, and health and safety considerations,” reports Festival Director Jody Fristoe. The decision to cancel the Summit Art Festival was extremely difficult for the Summit Art board, but in weighing all factors, it became necessary. What makes art festivals special is the in-person interactions between the artists and the patrons, connecting to collectors who can see and experience the artwork first-hand.
Summit Art, a local nonprofit supporting art and artists, has been hosting its annual, signature event, the Summit Art Festival (formerly known as the Longview Art & World Music Festival) since 2008. In those years, it has grown to be a nationally-recognized fine art fair attracting over 100 artists from all over the country to exhibit and sell artwork, in addition to offering local art students a showcase for professional exhibition of over 250 original works of art, and providing live performances representing an eclectic genre of music.
Teddy Jackson, Summit Art Board Director, Past Chair, juried artist member and signature member of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, says, “Art has helped us through surviving
Summit Art | Supporting Art and Artists 2 the unexpected for the past several months. We believe making and viewing art relieves stress and adds value to our lives.” Summit Art will refund jury fees to all applicants.
The Summit Art Festival provides necessary funding for all other programs that Summit Art offers our community such as workshops, art education, and scholarships to area high school students pursuing degrees in art-related fields. We encourage art lovers everywhere to share the pride we take in supporting art and artists, and to consider making a tax-deductible gift to Summit Art.
