This year’s Saint Louis Art Fair put on by Cultural Festivals lived up to expectation as it’s often ranked one of the top festivals in the nation. Art aficionados sauntered the streets of downtown Clayton to view the works of 181 professional artists displaying a variety of media. From photography, printmaking, and painting to wood, glass, ceramics, and beyond, there was something for everyone.
The Art Fair also catered to kids with over fifteen different children’s activities. No call for art went unanswered. While some enjoyed drawing and painting, others made jewelry or instruments such as horns and drums.
Guests also enjoyed food from some of St. Louis’ best restaurants including The Drunken Fish and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Some sat on the curb enjoying the appetizing cuisine and drinks while mingling with street entertainment that included face painting, stilt walkers, and more while others stopped at one of the three stages to experience a musical performance. There were numerous performance groups throughout the weekend, each with its own style and sound, setting a fun and upbeat tone across Clayton’s Central Business District.
The event presented by Sterling Bank was set to take place all weekend long beginning Friday, September 7 at 5 P.M. and ending Sunday, September 9 at 5 P.M., but for the first time in its nineteen years of existence, the Saint Louis Fair had to cancel part of the event. Friday evening, violent damaging storms ripped through the area forcing the Art Fair director to postpone its start. Some artists unfortunately had merchandise destroyed during the night by the strong winds but they pressed on through the weekend selling their surviving work to interested customers.
On Sunday morning at a breakfast for the artists, the 2012 Saint Louis Art Fair winners were announced. The Best of Show award was given to Tony Cray for his phenomenal glass work. Each piece is handmade using traditional glassblowing tools. Cray’s business is based in St. Louis.
Though the Saint Louis Art Fair got off to a rocky start, overall it was a huge success enjoyed by the entire St. Louis community. Click here to view the party pics!
