Artists Honored at 95th Plaza Art Fair
Collaborating duo Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek have been featured at Kansas City's historic 95th annual Plaza Art Fair.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Fine Art
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The 95th annual Plaza Art Fair has highlighted the work of longtime collaborators Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek. The duo was commissioned to create an original piece that reflects the local spirit of the Kansas City landmark.
Why it matters
Commissioning artists to interpret the Plaza provides a unique perspective on the site during a milestone anniversary year. This collaboration celebrates the creative partnership between two artists with decades of experience at the fair.
Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek have maintained a 30-year creative partnership and are participating in the Plaza Art Fair for the 11th time. The event itself is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year.
The players
Lou Ann Townsend
Based in Albuquerque, she is a professional artist who has collaborated with Mary Filapek for three decades.
Mary Filapek
A Milwaukee-based artist, she works in tandem with Lou Ann Townsend to create layered mixed-media paintings.
The details
Townsend and Filapek produced a commemorative work by observing the environment around the Plaza before beginning their creative process. Their technique involves Townsend creating a base painting followed by Filapek drawing over the canvas to complete the piece.
Timeline
The 95th annual Plaza Art Fair was held in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This commission highlights the enduring importance of site-specific public art in maintaining the cultural relevance of long-standing institutions. It mirrors the broader trend of major festivals leveraging established artist partnerships to deepen community engagement during milestone celebrations.
Attendees of the 95th annual Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City can view the commissioned piece firsthand throughout the event's duration. The work offers visitors an opportunity to see a professional interpretation of the local Plaza environment.
The takeaway
Collaborative artistic projects can offer fresh insights into familiar local landmarks by blending different creative techniques. Seeking out commissioned pieces at major fairs often provides a deeper connection to the history and identity of the host community.
Further reading
For more coverage on regional exhibitions, visit the Fine Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kctv5.
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