A Weekend of Vibrant ArtIn the heart of St. Clair, Palmer Park played host to the 54th annual St. Clair Art Fair, drawing thousands of visitors from far and wide.
We spent the weekend marveling at the array of art on display, from traditional mediums to innovative styles, and had the chance to experience some truly unforgettable moments. The event featured 116 artists from the United States, showcasing their work in a variety of genres, including paintings, drawings, pottery, jewelry-making, and more. It was a treat for the eyes and a celebration of artistic diversity.
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Interactive Fun and Entertainment
A Symphony of Sounds and ColorsAlongside the stunning artwork, visitors were treated to a vibrant musical program.
St. Clair Chamber of Commerce hosted a musical extravaganza in the Riverview Plaza courtyard.
The chamber of commerce organized a variety of music performances to create a lively atmosphere, further enriching the overall experience of the event. Visitors enjoyed free activities such as drawing classes and sports competitions, adding to the excitement and camaraderie that filled the park.
Awards Galore
A Deliberate Process of Awarding ExcellenceA panel of discerning judges carefully selected the winners of various categories.
Throughout the event, the judging of artworks took place on June 28, before the awards were presented on the morning of June 29.
The awards ceremony showcased the skill and artistry of the participating artists. The diverse group of judges selected the winners in various categories, resulting in an impressive array of awards. Here are some of the notable winners:
| Category | Winner | Art Work |
| Two-Dimensional Art | Adair Hinds | Photography |
| Painting | Deborah Turner | Painting |
| Two-Dimensional Art | Tim Drier | Painting |
| Three-Dimensional Art | Mark Hilligoss | Woodworking |
| Woodworking | Sumiko Takada | Pottery |
| Clay/ Sculpture | Carrye Bladecki | Clay/ Sculpture |
Member’s Market Awards
A Distinction Within DistinctionExclusively for St. Clair Art Association Members
Two-Dimensional Art
First PlacePavanne Kenyon
Acrylic Painting
Second PlaceLori Hannon
Photography
Third PlaceSharon Taylor
Watercolor
Honorable Mentions:
Acrylic Painting
Kelly Mertz
Fibers
Lisa Hermesmeyer
Second and Third Places
The Unseen Workload Behind the Scenes
A Gratitude Express
The event showcased a nonprofit organization’s perseverance, illustrating how their dedication to the community led to a triumph of creativity and camaraderie. “Our art fair is our largest fundraiser of the year,” explained Cathy Ingles, office manager of the St. Clair Art Association. “It helps us keep our Alice W. Moore Center for the Arts Center open, a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners.”
Ingles expressed her gratitude to the sponsors who have supported the event, as well as the city of St. Clair, without whose support the event would not have been possible. The team of volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes played a vital role in making the event a success. “It takes a lot of volunteers to make our fair successful,” Ingles said, highlighting the importance of their unwavering support and commitment to the community. The success of the St. Clair Art Fair demonstrates the vital role that arts organizations play in fostering creativity and innovation, as well as nurturing a sense of community and cultural enrichment. If you’re interested in learning more about the St. Clair Art Association or wish to attend the 55th annual fair, you can visit their website at stclairart.org or check out their social media profiles on facebook.com/stclairart.