I paused Friday evening to view one of the many booths along the eight city blocks that make up the St. Louis Art Fair. The event runs September 8, 9, and 10.
Friday evening marked the opening of the the 2017 St. Louis Art Fair in downtown Clayton. This is the 24th year of the premier art festival, that was the brainchild of Ben and Susan Uchitelle, back when he was Mayor of Clayton (see photos below). I’ve missed the event a few of those years, but not many. Now that I live within walking distance, it’s even easier to enjoy the weekend of roaming, visiting, shopping, and eating along the downtown streets.
A Stroll at the Fair
Visiting on the street (left to right): Jean Carnahan; St. Louis Art Fair founders former Mayor Ben Uchitelle and wife Dr. Susan Uchitelle; Robin Carnahan; and art dealer Ronald Greenberg, owner of the Greenberg Gallery. When visiting with the Uchitelles there’s always fond memories to recall from our trip to Israel more than 20 years ago.
In addition to artists, there are demonstrations of clay throwing, metal casting, weaving, wood turning and portrait painting. Street musicians and stage performers also add to the merriment. Hands on art activities are available for children in the area called the Creative Castle.
We paused for a bit of refreshment at Molly Darcy’s, where they had a poster in the window you can’t argue with: Life Is Better with Art. Last year there were 60,000 servings of food sold at the Fair.
Good weather means big crowds, as opening night proved. Last year 130,000 people came to the Fair and there were more than 180 artists. Most surprising was that 40% of those attending traveled from outside the greater St. Louis area.
A sample of the superb artistry that goes into the items offered for sale. The annual event is considered to be one of the best art fairs in the country.
Mother Nature got into the act, too, with a spectacular sunset Friday night.
St. Louis Art Fair. Location: In the heart of downtown Clayton. Time:
