Blog

American Style Magazine's listing of top events is always interesting to me because there are shows on it I've rarely heard of such as Kentucky Crafted and Francisco's Farm, plus three of them are in Kentucky.  What's that about?

Here's the list:

1. Kentucky Crafted: The Market

Louisville, Ky.
This year’s event, on March 19-20, will feature the best of fine art and craft, as well as musical performances, specialty foods and the chance to meet Kentucky authors. Learn more at http://kycraft.ky.gov.

2. Scottsdale Arts Festival

Scottsdale, Ariz.
Every spring, 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the U.S. convene in Scottsdale, offering art and crafts representing all mediums. This year’s festival will occur March 9-11. Visit www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org for more information.

3. Paradise City Arts Festival

Northampton, Mass.

“It’s well laid out, and there’s a terrific attitude among the artisans and the crowd.” There should certainly be a great attitude at the next show, May 26-28, which will feature 250 artisans, a silent auction for charity and tasty food. Go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information.

4. Saint Louis Art Fair

Clayton, Mo.

“It manages to share an amazing variety of high-quality artwork and activities and performances for everyone,” writes Emily Fisher of St. Louis. For more details on this fall festival, scheduled on Sept. 7-9 this year, check out www.culturalfestivals.com.

5. St. James Court Art Show

Louisville, Ky.
Every October, the historic neighborhood of Old Louisville provides the setting for the St. James Court Art Show.  The 56th annual juried event runs Oct. 5-7 this year. For more information, click on www.stjamescourtartshow.com.

6. Paradise City Arts Fesitval

Marlborough, Mass.
The Northampton festival’s sister show and namesake made our Top 10 this year. Quality crafts, from blown glass to hand-forged jewelry, as well as fine art paintings and sculpture, make it a winner with AmericanStyle readers. The next show takes place March 16-18. Go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information.

7. La Quinta Arts Festival

La Quinta, Calif.
Set in the tony Palm Springs Area, this show brings in big buyers and high price points are just fine. The next show takes place March 16-18. For details, visit www.lqaf.com.

8. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original

Ann Arbor, Mich.
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has been delighting patrons with contemporary fine art and crafts since its founding in 1959. Held on the central campus of the University of Michigan, this year’s festival takes place July 18-21. Go to www.artfair.org to learn more.

9. Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival

Midway, Ky.
OK, technically it’s at a vineyard, not a farm. This year, the festival will feature only artists who have received formal invitations to exhibit, marking a departure from previous events. The festival runs June 23-24. For details, visit www.franciscosfarm.org

10. Kentuck Festival of the Arts

Northport, Ala.
With more than 250 artists, the Kentuck Festival showcases exciting art and crafts, as well as demonstrations of traditional skills such as blacksmithing and quilting.  This year, the Kentuck Festival takes place Oct. 20-21. For more information, check out www.kentuck.org.

What do you think of this list? Is your favorite show missing?