St. James Court Art Show Unveils ‘St. James Court Fountain’ Print

Artist Mark D. Bird Courtesy of the St. James Art Fair

Watercolor artist, Mark D. Bird unveiled the 2022 St. James Court Art Show print titled, “A Historical Preservation Success Story: The St. James Court Fountain,” his third print in the series "A Sense of Place: A Collection of Fine Art Prints."

The watercolor features three paintings in the lower portion of the composition that brings the fountain's story to life. The central painting of one of the cherubic figures on the fountain captures the essence of historic preservation. Originally installed in the late 1800s, the iconic Victorian period fountain has a remarkable history.

"This stunningly beautiful place is unlike any other across the nation and certainly unlike any other as a venue for an art show,” Bird said in a news release. “This print collection I titled ‘A Sense of Place’ aims to capture the inherent beauty and cultural significance of this magical place. I am thrilled beyond words to make a contribution."

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 Malcolm 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.

St. James Court Art Show Executive Director Howard Rosenberg, Mayor Greg Fisher, Councilman David James, as well as President & CEO of The Filson Historical Society Richard Clay also spoke before the print was unveiled.

"This show started in 1957 and who would have thought that 66 years later we would be here celebrating this art show,” Rosenberg said. “We are really glad to be here at The Filson."

“A Sense of Place” print series features the highest-quality fine art reproductions in signed and numbered limited editions of 100 prints, and can be purchased at stjamescourtartshow.com/buy-art-show-posters or during the St. James Court Art Show for $200 each. Interested parties should contact the art show office by phone or email. The reproductions are printed on 100% cotton rag archival paper, using pigmented inks that offer lightfastness up to 75 years. Each print also contains an original pencil remarque by the artist to assure its authenticity. Each print in this collection will be released on an annual basis for a period of ten years.

Rosenberg announced the addition of two new partnerships with Fund For The Arts and the National Gallery in Washington. Different forms of performative art can be seen throughout this year's art show thanks to a collaboration with Fund For The Arts. Additionally, special programming developed by the National Gallery with Fari Nzinga and Toya Northington of the Speed Museum, will offer art show attendees the opportunity to learn about the influence of African American Artists on the Louisville Art Scene in the 50s and 60s through a series of lectures all three days at the Old Louisville Visitor's Center in Central Park.

The St. James Court Art Show was recently named the #1 Best Fine Art and Design Show of the Past 10 Years and the #3 All-Time Favorite Best Show of All Time, and #2 of the 200 Best Fine Art and Design Shows in 2022 by Sunshine Artist magazine.

The 66th annual St. James Court Art Show will take place Friday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; 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 will be held rain or shine. During this three-day event guests will discover unique works from over 600 artists 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.