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SPOTLIGHT
ON THE ARTS - September 2002 by Deanna Mascle The Show of Shows One of the largest and most reputable outdoor art shows in the nation, the St. James Court Art Show has become an autumn tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who come to purchase unique handcrafted items directly from the hands that crafted them. “In a community that prides itself on the quality and variety of its arts and cultural attractions, the St. James Court Art Show is at the top of the list,” says Kathy M. Bernson, vice president of communications for the Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only do you get to see the work of the country’s premier arts and crafts persons, you get to enjoy it in the heart of Old Louisville, which boasts the largest collection of Victorian homes in America. It’s a weekend both residents and visitors look forward to throughout the year.” Of over 5,000 arts festivals in the United States, the St. James Court Art Show is one of the top-ranked shows in the country. It has consistently been named one of Sunshine Artist magazine’s “best” since the ranking’s inception nine years ago; one of the top 20 shows by the ArtFair Sourcebook; and one the Top 10 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. “The Art Show is built on a strong tradition of promoting the arts and arts education. We bring some of the world’s finest artists to historic Old Louisville the first weekend in October so that the public has a unique, once-a-year, opportunity to purchase hand-crafted art directly from the hands that crafted it,” says Susan Coleman, director of the St. James Court Art Show for eight years and a volunteer since 1984. “This year, there will be about 30 artists who have not exhibited at St. James before, joining the ranks of the other outstanding artists.” Artists come from every corner of the country to display every imaginable type of art work, including paintings, drawings, prints, watercolors, ceramics, pottery and hand decorated porcelain, jewelry, floral arrangements, metal work, wood work, furniture, toys, crafts, stained glass and art glass, windows, clothing, needlework, quilts, leather goods, and enamel work. All exhibitors are expected to have produced the art work with their own hands. The entire show is comprised of six sections, which are responsible for their own artist recruitment, jurying and placement. Coleman points to the implementation of an artists jury system as the primary reason for the increasing quality of work, which then contributes to increased exposure, applications and ratings for the show. In addition to enjoying the show and neighborhood, visitors can tour the private homes that often open their doors for house tours during the fair. Every year it’s a little different but the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, a restored 1895 Richardsonian Romanesque mansion at the corner of Saint James Court and Magnolia Avenue, always opens its doors for tours during the art show. The St. James Court Art Show is organized by one paid show director who reports to an all-volunteer committee. The eight-person committee is a sub-group of the St. James Court Neighborhood Association, a non-profit residential group that began the Art Show as a fundraiser for the neighborhood in 1957. Its first year, 11 local artists displayed their paintings on a clothesline strung between two trees on the inner court. It netted less than $200. Now marking its 46th anniversary (making it one of the longest-running art shows of its kind in the country), it hosts over 700 artists from more than 40 states and Canada. Indicative of its stature as one of the best exhibits in the country, the show receives nearly four times the number of applications it can accommodate. This year, attendance is expected to be from 250,000 to 300,000 people, over 20 percent of whom come from out of state. The 46th annual St. James Court Art Show will be held Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event is free to the public and is held rain or shine. (Note: It is a pet-free event; only service animals are welcome.) The region’s largest food booth, sponsored by the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council, and other concessions offer a variety of food and drink including hot dogs and brats, chicken, barbecue hot off the smoker, elephant ears and other “fair” food. Refreshments of soft drinks, cold beer or (on cool days) hot cider are also available. Parking may be a challenge if you don’t come early. Later in the day, expect to pay at least $5 to $10 if you want to park near the action. Many neighborhood and block associations sell parking with proceeds going to Old Louisville improvements or charities. In addition, the Central Park West Association will provide valet parking (for about $10); drop-off and pick-up is at 6th and Magnolia. Parking is available throughout the weekend on the street in unrestricted areas and at the Cochran Elementary School (entry at Gaulbert and Sixth) and at various other locations. Revenue from the St. James Court Art Show allows for the renovation and maintenance of Old Louisville. The city of Louisville bears no expense for renovation or upkeep of Old Louisville property or landmarks. Proceeds also fund various community charities and art scholarships. For more information, visit the St.
James Court Art Show Web site at http://stjamescourtartshow.com,
call 502-635-1842, or write: St. James Court Art Show, PO Box 3804,
Louisville, KY 40201. To book a hotel room, call (800)743-3100 or visit
http://www.gotolouisville.com. Deanna Mascle is a
staff writer for The Lane Report. |
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Copyright 1996-2002, by Kentucky Business Online. All rights reserved. Editorial content is copyright 2002,
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