St. James Court Art Show preparing for thousands of attendees this weekend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It is one of the biggest art shows in the country and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to check it out.

The no parking and no stopping signs are already set up in St. James Court in Old Louisville to make way for this weekend’s art show — and it's expected to be the biggest one yet.

“Yep, cool as a cucumber, looking forward to it,” said artist Daniel Evans who, along with his wife Caroline Zama, will be showcasing their work at this weekend’s show.

From Friday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 3, the two will be joined by more than 600 artists in Old Louisville for the 65th annual art show.

Pieces made by Daniel Evans and Caroline Zama for the St. James Court Art Show in Old Louisville, which kicks off Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (WDRB photo)

Wednesday, as the couple worked in their home studio, crews were on site setting up tents and food stations. Neighbors were even sprucing up their homes for the crowds that will pass by, with some painting railings and fences.

“We started hearing from other art shows and other artists that they were selling out ... that crowds were bigger,” said the show’s Executive Director Howard Rosenberg.

This year, organizers expect nearly 300,000 people or more to attend the show, which is known nationally as one of the biggest and highest-rated in the country.

Last year, it was held virtually — which hurt more than just the artists financially.

“The schools that park the cars, the churches that sell bean soup, all those individuals suffered along with the charities who didn't get the donations that they were used to getting,” said Rosenberg.

New this year will be a collaboration between the show and the Speed Art Museum to showcase the history of Black artists in Louisville.

Next to the Conrad-Caldwell House, free COVID shots will be available from all three vaccine companies.

For Evans, it’s his first St. James Art Show. He and his wife will have two separate booths, one of his work and one of hers.

St. James art show preps — Artist Daniel Evans gets ready to sell his art at the St. James Court Art Show, which kicks off Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (WDRB photo)

“It's competitive, yeah. I definitely want to outsell her, which probably won't happen, but you always, always (try) to push it a little harder,” Evans laughed.

This is the show they both wanted on their resumes, as artists from around the country get ready to show off what they have worked so hard on for others to enjoy.

“This is what opens up doors to other shows, other parts of the region, and that is what we are planning on doing, yeah,” Evans said.

Meanwhile, the Louisville Metro Police Department wants to make sure those who plan on heading to the art show know what streets are closed and where they can't park. It's also handy information for those who will be traveling in the area not attending the show.

The department released a list of closures on Wednesday.

IN THE AREA OF ST. JAMES ART FAIR : ALL vehicles parked on these streets (see below) need to be moved by Thu at 1 AM. Vehicles not moved will be subject to tow to the LMPD 4th Division. Officers will be working at the parking lot there to return vehicles to owners. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/v9UL7zJExI
— LMPD (@LMPD) September 29, 2021

The closures start Thursday. St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Magnolia Avenue, Third and Fourth Streets in that area will be blocked. Very little parking will be available in that area.

The Sixth Street side of Central Park is being set aside for handicap parking, as is Hill Street between 3rd Street and St. James Court.

For a full list of closures, click here.