ART FOR EVERYONE
The Kentuckiana area is lucky to have an
amazing event once a year known to bring more
than 100,000 visitors from all over the world. If
your mind went immediately to horses and giant
hats, think again. When the leaves change and
the weather cools, the St. James Court Art Show
is what attracts people from near and far.
The one-of-a-kind experience for art lovers in
the heart of Old Louisville is a juried show that
now has more than 700 exhibitors who sell their
wares and high-level art.
Howard Rosenberg, executive director of the
St. James Court Art Show, said the event is special
for many reasons. “The setting is unique,” he
said. “There are very few art shows in the country
– I don’t know of any of them – that are right
smack dab in the middle of a historic landmark
neighborhood. It also gives people an opportunity
to see some of the finest art in the country.”
And it’s free.
The show was started in 1957 by St. James
Court Association President Malcolm Bird as a
This is an advertorial.
28 EXTOL : AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
St. James Court Art Show
Oct. 5, 6, & 7
Historic Old Louisville
For GPS, use 1402 St. James Ct.
in Louisville
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
stjamescourtartshow.com
Free Admission
Rain or shine
No pets allowed
way to make money. The association was out of
funds, and it had looming debt bec ause of recent
fountain repairs. The show was originally open
to all and was just an exhibit. Art was hung on
clotheslines from tree to tree.
Over the years, the show grew and expanded in
the neighborhood, adding Belgravia Court, sections
of Third Street and the West End Baptist Church.
The money raised from the show has helped fund
historic preservation of the neighborhood, which
has spurred housing restoration in the area. “It
grew because it became such an iconic art show,
but it also grew because it benefits the other
neighborhoods to participate,” Rosenberg said.
“They’re all part of a consortium that makes up
the art show as participants. It’s grown because of
the level of art, because of the demand, because
of it being so special.”
The St. James Court Art Show also focuses on
ensuring diversity of artistic medium, making
sure that it’s not just oil paintings or watercolors.
There are 17 different mediums, including jewelry,
clay, wood and more.