The Saint Louis Art Fair, considered one of the top fine art fairs in the country, will look and feel a lot different this year.
The three-day event in September normally draws more than 130,000 thousand people each year to downtown Clayton. Instead, the fair, which is in its 27th year, will be held virtually from Sept. 11 to 13.
Executive director Sarah Umlauf tells Gazelle the decision to forgo the in-person festival for a 100% virtual event came in June after reviewing the COVID-19 health and safety risks for artists, vendors and guests.
“We immediately began our work talking with artists, researching and planning an online event that would provide art enthusiasts the opportunity to meet the artists and see their work, engage the valuable volunteers, and maintain the community involvement as much as possible,” Umlauf said. “Our focus remains on supporting artists, their work and their business.”
The theme of the 2020 fair is “Keeping Art Essential,” and Umlauf says it holds even deeper meaning when it comes to supporting the work of artists today.
“We are thrilled that over 125 of the 160 juried 2020 artists will be participating in the Virtual Saint Louis Art Fair,” she said. “This commitment by the artists demonstrates their confidence in our ability to produce a successful online event. Now, you can help artists continue their passionate work and positive impact on our community and communities across the country when you buy their work.”
Many of the fair’s popular activities will be available virtually this year, including a virtual Main Stage performance by All4Nothin. Shoppers from across the country can also browse and buy jewelry from returning 2019 Emerging Artist winner Allison Norfleet-Bruenger, or catch-up with 2019 drawing & pastel artist and first-place award winner David Bjurstrom, as well as check out offerings from other artists.
“In addition to our online art gallery, there are opportunities to hear the artists’ stories and their inspirations,” Umlauf noted. “Guests will be able to enjoy musical performances from our virtual Enterprise Main Stage, benefit from exclusive dining specials from local restaurants, and children can discover their creative talent with activities at the virtual Creative Castle…and so much more!”
The traditional unveiling and celebration of the annual commemorative print will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, outside of Carrollton Bank in downtown Clayton and streamed on Instagram Live.
Additional updates of the Virtual Saint Louis Art Fair 2020, presented by Centene Charitable Foundation, can be found on saintlouisartfair.com.
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