Kokomo Art Association opens annual community art show
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First Friday in downtown Kokomo is typically centered around the artistic talents of the local community, and in September that means the beginning of a year of impressive works placed on display for everyone to enjoy.
This month’s event was highlighted by the unveiling of the 13th annual Kokomo Artist Alley exhibition, which fills the alley next to the Artworks Gallery at 210 N. Main St. A crowd of supporters and art enthusiasts filled the alley to hear from the artists and view their work.
The unveiling was not limited to Artist Alley. Inside Artworks Gallery, the 2026 Community Art Show also began, and visitors were able to meet the artists and discuss their works over refreshments. They also had an opportunity to vote for their favorite works in a “People’s Choice” competition.
The Kokomo Art Association made sure to thank Scouting Troop 581 for assisting in uninstalling the 2025 Artist Alley submissions and installing the new works for the 2026 season.
Much of the artwork on display in Artist Alley and inside Artworks as part of the Community Art Show are available for purchase, and gallery is open Monday-Friday from noon until 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
While the art-centric festivities were taking place along Main Street, a good portion of the courthouse square was occupied by vendors and local organizations as part of the standard First Friday offerings. From health screenings to food and fun activities, the monthly event drew a modest crowd eager to enjoy a late summer evening downtown.
The October First Friday promises to be one of the highlights of the year, as the Masquerade returns to downtown Kokomo. The Halloween-themed affair stands as one of the top attractions to the city center that takes place annually. There will be plenty of opportunities for trick-or-treaters to show off their costumes and collect candy and trinkets, while enjoying a wide variety of seasonal activities.
The Masquerade is scheduled to take place Fri., Oct. 2, from 5:30-8 p.m. in downtown Kokomo. In conjunction with the event, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Monster Tea Party at its main location, 220 N. Union St. And the art association will get back into action with the premiere of “A Stillness in Layers,” a solo exhibition by local artist Carrie Baxter.
An opening reception for Baxter’s work will take place in the Artworks Gallery from 5:30-8 p.m., and the exhibition will remain on display throughout October.
See additional photos from the Artist Alley exhibition on the Lantern’s Facebook page.