Category: News

The Kirksville Area Arts Association (KAA) Board of Directors has been closely monitoring, evaluating, and assessing our Summer on the Square series after each performance. Out of caution, the KAA has determined it is in the best interest of the community to cancel the remainder of the season.

The KAA is eager to return with the Summer on the Square series the first Friday of June 2021! We would like to thank the whole community, our performers, our patrons, and especially our sponsors for strongly supporting the Summer on the Square effort and for bearing with us during this difficult time in the world for hosting public events. The KAA would like to provide a special thanks to the City of Kirksville, Sparklight, Dukum Inn Bar and Grill, Chariton Valley Association, Kirksville Tourism Office, and the Missouri Arts Council for their financial support through sponsorships and grants for this and other years’ programs. The KAA appreciates our sponsors and wants to extend great appreciation for their continued support!

In the meantime the KAA is committed to finding new ways to safely celebrate, foster, and share the arts during this uncertain time. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/KirksvilleArts to stay up-to-date on all KAA news and events.

After long and difficult study the Kirksville Arts Association (KAA) has decided to cancel the Fall 2020 Red Barn Arts Festival. This was not an easy decision when considering the financial difficulties many artists are currently facing, the impact on our own operating budget, as well as the role this festival has come to play in our local community. Many factors were considered, along with the guidelines laid out by the CDC which highlight the risks associated with large gatherings and events for which participants travel from outside the community.

As the KAA moves into our new home in Downtown Kirksville, the Sue Ross Arts Center, we look forward to what the future holds. This includes bringing the Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival back, bigger and better than ever in September 2021.

In the meantime the KAA is committed to finding new ways to safely celebrate, foster, and share the arts during this uncertain time. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/KirksvilleArts to stay up-to-date on all KAA news and events. 

Today we are celebrating Judy’s 17 years of outstanding service and commitment to the Kirksville Arts Association as Executive Director with a RETIREMENT CARD SHOWER. Judy plans to begin spending more time participating in art activities, and less time administering art activities beginning June 30th.

Judy has always had an interest and love for the Arts and became a charter member of the Kirksville Community Chorus in 1998, which subsequently led to becoming more active with the arts community by serving as a KAA board member prior to becoming the Executive Director in 2003. Her full biography will be in the Summer 2020 Newsletter where you can read more about her interesting and varied career.

You may mail your cards to Judy Neuweg, 19248 Holly Ct Trail, Kirksville, MO 63501.

Interested in becoming a member of the Kirksville Arts Association? Find what fits best for you today!

Regrettably Kirksville Arts has postponed “Summer on the Square” until July. KAA is looking into ways to bring back the concerts while protecting the health of the performers and audience members. Stay tuned to Facebook and local media for further info.

Call (660) 665-0500 or Visit kirksvillearts.org

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) the reception for the high school student art showcase has been cancelled. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, but we are working to ensure safety and health for everyone in the community.

If anyone has questions don’t hesitate to call (660)-665-0500 or email kvarts.director@gmail.com.

Stay Healthy!

We at the Kirksville Arts Association invite everyone to get involved in this year’s Red Barn Festival! We have run this event for over 45 years, and we encourage anyone who is interested to apply. Applications can be filled out on our website or can be downloaded and mailed in.

Download the Application and Brochure Here

Each day we are getting closer and closer to the warmer weather we are all waiting for. With that weather means Summer on the Square is back and is packed with fun filled evenings. Check out these event dates and put them in your calendar, because Summer on the Square isn’t that far away!

June 

05 – Keota – Acoustic With Attitude – Macon

12 – New Blue Velvet – Big Band Era Standards – Macon

19 – New Kirksville String Band – Celtic/Blues – Kirksville

26 – Hootin’ Annies & Jimmy Campbell – Bluegrass – KC

July   

03 – Aaron Russell – Country – Springfield

10 – Romani Blue/RaQs Fusion Bellydancers – Middle Eastern – Columbia/Kirksville

17 – Kirksville Community Band 

24 – New Artie’s Univibe – Classic Rock – Columbia

31 –  New Mercy’s Bridge – Country Gospel – Knox City

August  

07 – New The Ragged Blade Band – Ragtime Era/Early Blues – St. Louis

14 – New Two Percent Combo – Jazz – Kirksville/Kansas City

21 – Deadwood – Rock/Blues – Kirksville

28 – Truman Steel – Steel Drum Orchestra – Kirksville