Kaw Social with Plein Air Painting
The event has passed.
Events Description
Capturing the significance of the KC West Bottoms
The 4th Annual Historic West Bottoms 2026 Plein Air Final Submissions will be on display for judging and sale on Sunday, May 17th. Starting at 11am as works are turned in – as part of the community-wide KAW Social Gathering at the Rock Island Bridge, the 2nd Floor American Royal Hall serves as a backdrop for judging over 80+ Original Submissions from the HWBA2026 3-day outdoor painting event. The public is encouraged to view the works and purchase framed paintings from many of Kansas City’s best outdoor painters. Take home a little history and be amazed at the results – all free to attend.
Here’s What to Expect:
- Live plein air paintings arrive starting around 11am with many works already on display
- Judging and final turn-in starts at Noon in the American Royal Hall (2nd Floor)
- An HWBA-sponsored awards for: Best in Show, Historic Preservation, and Artist/Public Choice — $100 each
- Finished artwork on display and available to purchase, with a $500 Purchase Award from the Rice Gallery (OPKS)
- Free admission all day — art, community, and one of the best backdrops in Kansas City
This event is FREE and open to the public. Just show up and enjoy.
Plein Air Artists interested in participating should RSVP (online via Google Drive): CLICK HERE
- Make the most of your visit
Join us for lunch or dinner—our dining room and walk-up window are open daily.
From 11 AM to 3 PM, enjoy the casual Rock Island Eats lunch menu, featuring comfort-food favorites and quick bites.
Beginning at 3 PM, we serve the River House dinner menu, featuring Midwest lake-house favorites, coastal smokehouse flavors, cocktails, and scenic river views.
Prefer to grab your food and go enjoy the rest of the bridge? The walk-up window (Rock Island Eats) is open for both lunch and dinner.
See River House Menu
See Rock Island Eats Menu
More Upcoming Events
Capturing the significance of the KC West Bottoms
The 4th Annual Historic West Bottoms 2026 Plein Air Final Submissions will be on display for judging and sale on Sunday, May 17th. Starting at 11am as works are turned in – as part of the community-wide KAW Social Gathering at the Rock Island Bridge, the 2nd Floor American Royal Hall serves as a backdrop for judging over 80+ Original Submissions from the HWBA2026 3-day outdoor painting event. The public is encouraged to view the works and purchase framed paintings from many of Kansas City’s best outdoor painters. Take home a little history and be amazed at the results – all free to attend.
Here’s What to Expect:
- Live plein air paintings arrive starting around 11am with many works already on display
- Judging and final turn-in starts at Noon in the American Royal Hall (2nd Floor)
- An HWBA-sponsored awards for: Best in Show, Historic Preservation, and Artist/Public Choice — $100 each
- Finished artwork on display and available to purchase, with a $500 Purchase Award from the Rice Gallery (OPKS)
- Free admission all day — art, community, and one of the best backdrops in Kansas City
This event is FREE and open to the public. Just show up and enjoy.
Plein Air Artists interested in participating should RSVP (online via Google Drive): CLICK HERE
