First look at Brookside Art Annual. Here are some of the unique things to see there

Around Kansas City there are some signs everyone can count on to know spring has arrived.

The city’s many fountains come back on. The Kansas City Royals take the field. And the Brookside Art Annual packs in crowds of art lovers on the streets near the historic Brookside Shops.

The tents that house the temporary art galleries are back like spring tulips and are bursting with captivating artworks created by more than 170 artists from all over the U.S. This is the 38th year for the event which, according to the show’s website, is consistently ranked in the top 25 fine art shows according to Art Source.

Show organizers select a featured artist each year. This year’s artist is Ed Pribyl of McHenry, Illinois, who will be showing his original wood sculptures inspired by vintage toys, pop culture and old advertising.

The show opened Friday afternoon and continues through most of Sunday. It’s located at 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard between 63rd Street and Meyer Boulevard.

No admission is required to stroll through the show but, along with purchasing artworks, there are plenty of dining and concessions options where you can spend your money. Children’s activities will be offered on Saturday and Sunday at the north end of the show.

Show dates and hours

Friday, May 3, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Charlie Podrebarac displays his art in his booth Friday before the Brookside Art Annual. Podrebarac’s art was also featured in this year’s Parade of Hearts.
Charlie Podrebarac displays his art in his booth Friday before the Brookside Art Annual. Podrebarac’s art was also featured in this year’s Parade of Hearts.
Annette Gordon, from Paola, Kansas, rearranges her garden sculptures while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual on Friday.
Annette Gordon, from Paola, Kansas, rearranges her garden sculptures while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual on Friday.
Michael Gard, from San Francisco, sets up his sculpture displays while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
Michael Gard, from San Francisco, sets up his sculpture displays while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
Ceramic rabbits, known as “Bling buns” and crafted by artist Reiko Uchytil of Grimes, Iowa, are displayed at her booth while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual on Friday in Kansas City.
Ceramic rabbits, known as “Bling buns” and crafted by artist Reiko Uchytil of Grimes, Iowa, are displayed at her booth while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual on Friday in Kansas City.
Refurbished light bulbs transformed into bumblebees, known as “Mahombee” and created by artist Annette Gordon from Paola, Kansas, are displayed at her booth Friday at the Brookside Art Annual.
Refurbished light bulbs transformed into bumblebees, known as “Mahombee” and created by artist Annette Gordon from Paola, Kansas, are displayed at her booth Friday at the Brookside Art Annual.
Artwork from Jonah Ballard, Goodyear, Arizona, on display at the Brookside Art Annual.
Artwork from Jonah Ballard, Goodyear, Arizona, on display at the Brookside Art Annual.
Rebecca Lowery, from Bloomington, Indiana, blows dust off her ceramics while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
Rebecca Lowery, from Bloomington, Indiana, blows dust off her ceramics while preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
Kenny Kudulist, from New York City, assists his wife Jenifer in preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
Kenny Kudulist, from New York City, assists his wife Jenifer in preparing for the Brookside Art Annual.
A visitor walks past a display of photos by Fred Mertz of Menlo Park, California, Friday before the start of the Brookside Art Annual.
A visitor walks past a display of photos by Fred Mertz of Menlo Park, California, Friday before the start of the Brookside Art Annual.