St. James Art Show Set to Unveil 2022 Commemorative Print Sept. 1

The new print will feature the St. James Fountain. Wikimedia Commons

As fall approaches, the St. James Court Art Show prepares to unveil its third edition of the collectible watercolor print series, “A Sense of Place: A Collection of Fine Art Prints” during a press conference on Thursday, Sept., 1 at 10 a.m. inside The Filson Historical Society building in Old Louisville.

Watercolor artist Mark Bird, will discuss his inspiration behind his 2022 print titled, "A Historic Preservation Success Story: The St. James Court Fountain," which brings the iconic fountain's story to life.

The watercolor features three paintings in the lower portion of the composition. The central painting of one of the cherubic figures on the fountain captures the essence of historic preservation: guardians of our past, which is preserved for our future. Originally installed in the late 1800s, the iconic Victorian period fountain has a remarkable history.

In the mid-1950s, after years and years of repairs to the fountain and a seemingly endless flow of dollars toward its salvation by the St. James Court Association, the fountain was crumbling and in need of a total recasting in bronze to assure its permanent place in history. However, the St. James Court Association did not have the funds.

Malcolm Bird, President of the association, suggested a Fountain Fund specifically for this project that included using proceeds from hosting an art show and guarantors. In 1957, Bird and St. James Court residents hosted the first St. James Court Art Show. Years later, on September 14, 1975, the recasting of the fountain was unveiled during a reception and dedication ceremony.

Commissioned by the St. James Court Art Show, Mark Bird, the nephew of Malcolm Bird, has enjoyed a professional career of over 40 years as a distinguished architectural illustrator and designer, working with many of the world’s foremost architects and designers. Additionally, Mr. Bird has produced commemorative edition artworks for public and private events, businesses, agencies, and a multitude of other clientele. His works hang in private and corporate collections around the globe. 

“A Sense of Place” print series features the highest-quality giclee fine art reproductions in signed and numbered editions of 100 prints. These reproductions will be printed on 100% cotton rag archival paper, using pigmented inks that offer lightfastness up to 75 years. Each print will also receive an original pencil remarque by the artist to assure its authenticity.

“Every year as we get closer to the art show, our excitement builds,” said Howard Rosenberg, Executive Director of the St. James Court Art Show in a news release. “It is the culmination of a year of hard work by a very devoted team. While we are one of the country’s top-rated art shows, it has never been about the rankings or the accolades. It is about bringing people together in this unique and special neighborhood.”

Rosenberg and representatives from Metro Government and The Filson Historical Society will also say a few words at the unveiling.

The 66th annual St. James Court Art Show takes place on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, and the art show is a rain or shine event held in historic Old Louisville, one of the largest preserved districts of Victorian architecture in the United States.

In addition to the plethora of local Kentucky artists, hundreds of artists travel to Louisville from all around the world to participate in this incredible show, and only about one in four that apply are selected to show their work at St. James Court Art Show. During this three-day event, guests will discover unique works of art in 17 artistic mediums, from clay to wood, and everything in between. 

For more information about the St. James Court Art Show, visit stjamescourtartshow.com.