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Well, this is Joan's husband Ed.  I was the gofer and substitute as needed, but we did discuss the weekend (and Joan will gladly change anything she thinks is wrong!)

Don't bother going here.

The Jour de Fete is lots of kitsch: Wal-Mart discount stuff.  The layout is great, and I know the local artist guild has been trying to make inroads into the weekend (Sat 9-6; Sun 10-4) but they are swimming upstream against lots of beer and food vendors and booths selling cheap crafts, yard ornaments, and objects made by someone else.  There are some galleries, but the booths dominate.

Besides Joan's original art (acrylic, some water and oil), there were two other painters (one had just prints) and one jeweler (silver).  Lots of kitsch jewelry, textile, metal and leather (e.g., belt and wallet for $35).  I'd guess 200+ booths over 12-14 blocks (some were in a park).

Towards the end of both days I had to keep an eye on people setting their beer or soda on the table near the prints and matted originals in plastic sleeves, or leaning near canvasses with their pork sandwiches.  However, only twice did we have to say something to people about taking pictures.

But they were not buyers -- at least, not of artwork.

Even postcards made on an HP printer, people would hold up a card, say to their friend, "Isn't this great?" then put it back.  Like two bucks would break the bank.

Two people said they would come back to buy paintings -- they didn't show.

One person wants to commission a piece -- we'll see.

Meanwhile, I'd love to try a real art show.  Here's the conundrum: the booth.  Are there rentals available for shows in St. Louis?

I guess you people who paint do it because you enjoy it.  I am envious of your talents; I just wish more people appreciated them.  Fortunately for us, Joan does not do it for a living.  Still --