Popular Labor Day weekend event returns for 36th year
ST. LOUIS – The Greater St. Louis Art Association (GSLAA) presents the Fall Art Fair at Queeny Park, August 29-31 at the indoor, air-conditioned Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd, Ballwin, Mo.
Anticipation by thousands of show goers continues to build each season for one of the region’s longest running art fairs. Now in its 36th year, the event showcases original works of fine art and fine craft, all available for purchase directly from the artists. Show hours are Friday evening, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“What our patrons seem to enjoy most is that they feel so at home wandering through the displays, chatting comfortably with artists, learning about the inspiration or processes behind the art they have created,” said Maggie McCarthy, artist and co-chair of the event. “So much selection, and a wide range of pricing, makes it very easy to walk away with something you love.”
More than 130 juried artists represent the gamut of genres. From ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, digital art, mixed media and fiber for the walls, to jewelry and fiber to wear, as well as sculpture, wood and more for decorative and practical décor, this show meets creative, decorative needs. Many visitors use the show as an ideal place to find special, personalized gifts including the option to purchase lovely, artist-designed greeting cards.
Rounding out the fun of discovering the perfect art “find” is the festive environment of wine tasting, live music, a food café, plus children’s and adult’s art activities throughout the run of the show.
Details of the weekend activities include:
- Wine tastings by Three Squirrels Winery each day and live music by the Ann Duren Trio all weekend.
- Being eligible to win $150 in “art dollars” that can be spent at any artist’s booth.
- The popular Art Discovery Adventure for children from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; a hands on Art Wall for children and adults, Make and Take pottery demonstrations for adults and children; as well as carved egg shell demonstrations.
- A refreshment café serving meals and snacks during show hours.
Admission is $5 at the door and free to those 18 and under. There is ample free parking and tickets are valid for all three days of the Art Fair at Queeny Park.
Hours are:
- 6 to 9 p.m. Friday
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Dollar-off coupons are available from the GSLAA website, www.gslaa.org, and the show website, www.ArtFairAtQueenyPark.com. Guests will have the opportunity to sign the guest book to receive future announcements and discount coupons.
Proceeds from the $5 admission and the artists’ booth fees go to GSLAA’s Art Scholarship Fund and help cover show expenses. St.Louis-area high school seniors are eligible to apply for the art education scholarship, which is sent directly to the college of his or her choice. The four scholarship winners will have their work displayed at the spring show. Additional donations for the scholarship fund are welcomed at the admission gate.
Visit www.ArtFairAtQueenyPark.com or contact co-chairs Vic Barr,
314-997-1181; Maggie McCarthy, 636-724-5968; or Lee Richards, 636-584-5414, for more information about the Art Fair at Queeny Park. Visit www.gslaa.org for more information about GSLAA. The Art Fair at Queeny Park can also be found on Facebook.
