Kevin McGraw reflects on First Friday’s origins and the artists that made the Crossroads their canvas

Just a few decades ago, Kansas City’s Crossroads district was coined by its near-empty stretch of streets, dotted by auto shops, empty buildings, and tumbleweeds rolling in the wind. The predominantly industrial area was desperate for a new purpose.

But that quiet space gave artists like Kevin McGraw, Jim Leedy, David Ford, and Tom Dethridge room to experiment—setting up studios, galleries, and small performances in unoccupied buildings. Their collective efforts, combined with building owners willing to take a chance on art, slowly brought life to the district.

First Friday emerged organically from these collaborations, with galleries and pop-up shows appearing each month; never just a single person’s vision, but a communal effort.

Today, First Friday draws thousands of visitors, showca