It's back! Here's your complete guide to the 2022 St. James Court Art Show in Louisville

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·6 min read
Patrons browse clothing at the Autmn Teneyl vendor booth at the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021
Patrons browse clothing at the Autmn Teneyl vendor booth at the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021

The 2022 award-winning St. James Court Art Show plans its return on the first weekend in October.

A favorite autumn ritual for 66 years, thousands of art lovers are expected to canvas the streets of the historic Old Louisville neighborhoodfrom Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2 during the fine arts and contemporary crafts show.

The three-day event, which includes visual arts, crafts, food and drink, typically attracts more than 250,000 visitors and more than 600 artists from around the United States.

As always, admission to the juried art show is free. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine in the beautiful Victorian neighborhood several blocks south of downtown Louisville.

"Every year as we get closer to the art show, our excitement builds. It is the culmination of a year of hard work by a very devoted team," said Howard Rosenberg, executive director of the St. James Court Art Show. "While we are one of the country's top-rated art shows, it has never been about the rankings or the accolades. It is about bringing people together in this unique and special neighborhood. It’s the pride and honor that we feel about being able to be a part of this very special art show in this very special place."

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The renowned art show has been named the No. 1 "Best Fine Art and Design of the Past 10 years" by artist subscribers of Sunshine Artist magazine. St. James Court Art Show has also been awarded the No. 3 "All-Time Favorite Best of Show of All Time," as voted on by Sunshine Artist magazine artists.

New this year, St James Court Art Show is branching out to the performing arts world by partnering with Fund for the Arts, the Trager Family Jewish Community Center Centerstage, and Kentucky Shakespeare. Stop by the Local Performance Village on the Inner Court, South Green and enjoy engaging performances throughout each day of the festival and take part in activities to bring out your inner artist.

For a list of times for performances, each day visit the Local Performance Village page at stjamescourtartshow.com.

Also this year, the Park Duvalle Community Health Center will be onsite offering free COVID-19 vaccines. Look for it on Magnolia Avenue next to the Conrad-Caldwell House.

Here's what you need to know about the 2022 St. James Court Art Show:

How much does it cost to go to the St. James Court Art Show?

Jessie Driscoll with Made from Coins has his custom jewelry on display at the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021
Jessie Driscoll with Made from Coins has his custom jewelry on display at the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021

Admission is free, and the art show is a rain or shine event.

When and where is the St. James Court Art Show held?

Artist Tyler Mac of Naples, Florida holds one of the handcrafted guitars, that he makes from various types of woods, while working his booth at the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Mac travels the country with a chainsaw and pulling a trailer so that he can harvest interesting trees and wood to create his guitars. "If someone needs a tree cut down and it's worth my time, I'll just go cut it down," Mac said. "It's just been nice to be out here with everyone taking a year off." Oct. 1, 2021

The art show is held Sept. 30- ct. 2 in historic Old Louisville, the largest preserved district of Victorian architecture in the United States. The show takes place just south of Central Park on St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Magnolia Avenue, Third and Fourth streets. For GPS purposes use this address: 1402 St James Court, Louisville.

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Is there a guide available to find specific arts booths?

For a complete list of artists and food vendors at the St. James Court Art Show, the 2022 program will be available online to view on your mobile device at bit.ly/3BGu4bI. A scannable QR code that will link directly to the program can also be found at various locations throughout the art show.

Where do I park for the St. James Court Art Show?

Lynette Rataiczak, right, browses air plants at Ping Yang's vendor booth during the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021
Lynette Rataiczak, right, browses air plants at Ping Yang's vendor booth during the 2021 St. James Court Art Show. Oct. 1, 2021

Old Louisville is approximately three miles south of downtown Louisville and three blocks north of The University of Louisville. If you choose to search for public on-street parking outside the event perimeter, be certain to wear your walking shoes. Keep in mind that many streets are closed to traffic and parking during the show.

Parking is also available in these private lots. When you pay to park at one of the lots listed below, you are helping various non-profit organizations raise funds:

  • Cochran Elementary School: 500 W. Gaulbert Ave.

  • DuPont Manual High School: 120 W.Lee St.

  • Youth Performing Arts School: 1517 S. Second St.

  • Noe Middle School: 121W. Lee St.

  • Louisville Woman’s Club: behind 1322 S. Fourth St.

Handicapped parking is available on the east side of Sixth Street (along Central Park) between Park and Magnolia avenues from 8 a.m. on Sept. 30 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 2and the north lane of Hill between Third streets and St. James Court from 9 a.m. on Sept. 30to 10 p.m. on Oct. 2.

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Is there bike parking available at St. James Court Art Show?

Bike Parking is available in Central Park near the Old Louisville Information Center and LMPD 4th Division.

What is not allowed at the St. James Court Art Show?

Sorry, no pets are allowed, outside of service animals, at the St. James Court Art Show. For other prohibited items, visit stjamescourtartshow.com.

What is the 2022 St. James Court Art Show watercolor print?

Watercolor artist, Mark D. Bird has created the official 2021 St. James Court Art Show print, "A Historic Preservation Success Story: The St. James Court Fountain."

The third print in the collectible watercolor print series titled, “A Sense of Place: A Collection of Fine Art Prints," has replaced the annual St James Court Art Show poster competition. The series acknowledges the significance of the Old Louisville neighborhood where the art show is located.

The scene depicted in the 2022 painting features three paintings in the lower portion of the composition that brings the fountain's story to life. The central painting of one of the cherubic figures on the fountain captures the essence of historic preservation.

“A Sense of Place” print series features high-quality giclee fine art reproductions in signed and numbered editions of 100 prints and can be purchased at stjamescourtartshow.com or during the St. James Court Art Show for $200 each.

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The reproductions are printed on 100% cotton rag archival paper, using pigmented inks that offer lightfastness up to 200 years. Each print also receives an original pencil remarque by the artist to assure its authenticity.

What is the St. James Court Art Show COVID policy?

St. James Court Art Show is committed to the health and safety of artists and visitors. It is for that reason organizers request facemasks for those who are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: St. James Court Art Show in Louisville: Check out this complete guide