Louisville’s Best-Attended Event

“St. James is a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Owensboro, Kentucky, artist K.O. Lewis.

From its humble start rescuing a crumbling historic fountain in 1957, Louisville’s bustling St. James Court Art Show is one of the nation’s top juried fine art shows. Come October, it is the place to be, attracting more visitors than the Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horserace each May.

Now in its 68th year, the show runs in a four-block area of Historic Old Louisville, a leafy residential neighborhood in the heart of the city. The money raised is reinvested in the community.

“Today, this neighborhood has the largest number of Victorian-era mansions in the country,” says Howard Rosenberg, St. James Court’s executive director.

“This setting is a major part of the experience,” says Lauren Hendricks of Cambium Marketing, the show’s marketing manager. “Those beautiful homes, the adjacent Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Park, St. James Court Fountain, and 650 top artists add up to an unforgettable experience.”

The show has something for everyone, exhibiting 17 artistic media, from painting and textiles to pottery and jewelry.

Each year, it draws more than 250,000 visitors and contributes $5.5 million to the local economy. Consider, too, that Louisville schools close during two public events. One features horses; the other is artists.

A jurying process keeps quality high. “We focus on the artists and creating a great experience for them,” Rosenberg says. “And our amenities encourage visitors to stay and browse.”

“St. James is like attending a family reunion,” says Lewis, vice principal at Owensboro’s Newton Parrish Elementary School. He paints in his spare time and produced the show’s poster in 2018.

“I have customers attend the show just to visit my booth,” Lewis says. “They’ll give me a hug and ask about my family. They’re like extended family and drive me to keep my art progressing.”

Admission to the show and parking on neighboring streets is free. Local schools and churches offer parking to raise money.

“Get here early on Friday before the show opens so you have time to browse,” Hendricks says. “Sample our nightlife, restaurants, and cool neighborhoods,” she adds. “Make it a Louisville weekend.”