St. James Art Show in Old Louisville, Kentucky - October 2-4, 2009

The St. James Art Show is held in Louisville, Kentucky and attracts over 300,000 visitors annually. The Art Show is one of the largest of its kind held in the United States and is a juried arts and crafts event that showcases the work of 750 artists and craftsmen. The St. James Art Show will take place October 2through 4, 2009 in old Louisville amidst beautiful Victorian homes and the changing fall leaves of tree-lined streets. Not only will you enjoy the incredible artwork, you'll be amazed by the scenery, people, food and fun and understand why this show is an extremely popular event in Louisville. Here is a list of the pertinent details you'll need if you plan on attending:

Details of the St. James Art Show

Where - The fair is held at St. James and Belgravia Courts as well as on Magnolia, 3^rd and 4^th Streets, and Central Park in Louisville.

When - Friday, October 2, Saturday, October 3 and Sunday October 4, 2009. Held rain or shine.

Time - Friday and Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Admission - FREE.

Contact - Marguerite Esrock at (502) 635-1842 or scoleman@stjamecourtartshow.com

Parking - Please note that there is handicapped parking available on the south side of Magnolia between 6^th Street and St. James Court. Additionally, there is parking in the north lane of Hill Street between St. James Court and 3^rd Streets.

Shuttle Service - There will be shuttle service available as well as valet parking. If you choose to use valet, drop and pick up your vehicle off on Magnolia between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Valet service is $20 per vehicle.

Notes - If you prefer to avoid the heavier crowds and try to get close parking, consider attending the show on Friday during the earlier part of the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothes for the weather as the show will be held rain or shine.

Types of art work include paints, watercolors, ceramics, jewelry, wood and metal works, stained glass, and more.

Tour Part of Old Louisville

While at the show, don't forget to check out the beautiful Victorian homes. Old Louisville is a historic preservation district and the third largest in the United States featuring almost entirely Victorian homes. The architecture is that of Romanesque, Queen Anne, Italianate and more. Many of the homes feature stained glass windows and in fact, Old Louisville has the highest number of residential homes with stained glass in the US.

One of the featured homes that you can tour is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum which is defined with Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It's also known as "Conrad's Castle" and is open for public tours on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon-4:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. During the St. James Art Show, the hours will more than likely be expanded. Simply check www.stjamescourtartshow.com at a later time for the exact hours.

Another feature of Old Louisville is the "Pink Palace", located at 1483 St. James Court. Originally built as a neighborhood retreat in 1892, the house went through several owners. The house was first built to serve the gentlemen of St. James Court where they could smoke cigars, drink and catch up with the other men of the area. In fact, the Pink Palace was first known as "St. James Court Casino".

In 1920, the structure was purchased and served as the national headquarters of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WTCU). The organization strongly opposed everything the "casino" had stood for, i.e., drinking, smoking, gambling and alleged prostitution, etc.

Today the house under a historical designation must remain pink as part of the current landmark. It is flanked with turrets, gargoyles, and stain-glassed windows making it a very interesting stop for visitors.

To get more information about the "Pink Palace" contact Jeff at (502) 635-5333 or email him at jeffo801@aol.com.

Sources: www.stjamescourtartshow.com