Best Juried Fine Art Fairs

Editor’s Picks for the Best Art Fairs in the Country

                         

Looking for the best art fair destinations? The following shows are the best art fairs in the nation. These top shows take great pride in their selection of artists and they are all competitively juried.  Some of them even fly in curators, art professors and museum personnel to sit on their artist selection panels.

The art and craft work exhibited will delight you in its variety, quality and vision. In these days of strip malls and cookie cutter chain stores, art fairs are undeniably the most interesting shopping venues left in the country.

Most of these festivals also have childrens' activity areas, wonderful food courts, and music especially chosen to enhance your attendance. You can easily spend a whole day at these great art fairs meeting interesting people, finding wonderful treasures and resting up at one of the performance stages before your next foray into the wonderful world of fine arts and crafts.

Visit the fairs websites that showcase the artists and crafts people who will be in their events this year. You can go online and preshop! We invite you to find a new festival this year and get back to us with your comments.

1.  The Ann Arbor Art Fairs, Ann Arbor, MI – July 18-21, 2012*
            (always Wednesday through Saturday-never on Sunday)

We have to start out the list with this event because it is the granddaddy of all the other successful art festivals in the country. It is now four official fairs but it all began in 1959 on South University, the original Street Fair. Its’ success, proving that artists could find a new marketplace, has since spawned three more concurrent festivals.

The four shows are a confederation, sharing city services and keeping the same dates and hours. Over 1000 exhibitors show up ready to meet you. Ann Arbor turns into "Art Fair City" every July for four days. They include:

• Ann Arbor Street Fair -  www.artfair.org
• State Street Area Art Fair
• Summer Art Fair - www.theguild.org
• Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair

More details:  www.artfaircalendar.com/Michiganartfairs

2.  St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, MO – September  7-9, 2012*

This event is held in the central business district of Clayton, an upscale suburban community of St. Louis. A small event, only 165 exhibitors, competition is fierce to be one of the chosen exhibitors. Only the very best artists will be found at this event.
For more info:  www.artfaircalendar.com/Midwestartfairs


3.  Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO – July 6-8, 2012*

This is a true destination show, fabulous art, intriguing auxiliary activities for kids and adults, and an online auction, all in a great urban neighborhood.


4.  Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami, FL – Feb. 18-20, 2012*

Always held on President’s Day weekend, this is a destination for Floridians as well as plenty of snowbirds. Also the same weekend as the Miami Boat Show there is a good deal of customer crossover. Held on the shores of Biscayne Bay under the palm trees, you will see a good deal of contemporary art plus many artists who don’t leave Florida to show their work in your neighborhood.

5.  Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Philadelphia, PA - Nov. 8-11, 2012*

The best show of only fine crafts in the country includes 195 of the finest and most dynamic craft artists in the U.S., selected from 1500 applicants. A benefit for the Museum of Art, you will find outstanding work by craftspeople who prefer not to show their artwork outdoors. Everything is beautiful.


6.  Lakefront Festival of Arts, Milwaukee, WI – June 15-17, 2012*

Sponsored by the Milwaukee Museum of Art and held on its’ grounds in front of the museum’s architecturally exciting new building, great artists show up on the lakefront every June. Many of them will have been in Chicago at Old Town the previous weekend. This confluence of two great shows encourages many artists to travel long distances to be there, providing you with another excellent event.


7. Sausalito Art Festival, Sausalito, CA – September 1-3, 2012*

The internationally famous beauty of Sausalito, with its’ historic waterfront and unique galleries and shops has always attracted art collectors. On Labor Day weekend the stars of the contemporary art scene are showcased in this great setting. Plan for a great time, with excellent food and music extending the pleasure.

8. Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, IA – June 22-24, 2012*

The people in Des Moines go all out to make this festival great for everyone. Very creative kids activities, emerging artist programs, fireworks, and some of the best artists in the country who make a stop in Des Moines on their way to Cherry Creek the following weekend. Who knew Des Moines was so cool? Worth the drive. You won’t be sorry.
For more info:  www.artfaircalendar.com/Midwestartfairs

9.  Washington Craft Show, Washington, D. C. - November 16-18, 2012*

An exquisite event featuring 190 of the nation's most talented artists, featuring one-of-a-kind and limited editions work. This juried event features recognized masters and talented newcomers exhibiting the latest trends in finely crafted art pieces for the discerning buyer. In addition, two days of expert seminars in decorating, finding collectible art, art to wear and much more. A great weekend destination for the art aficionado.


10.  Old Town Art Fair, Chicago, IL – June 9 & 10, 2012*

Held in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood, everyone turns out for this one that is Chicago’s favorite. Most of the artists have been chosen years ago, so your favorites will usually be back, with a few new ones added in each year.
For more info:  www.artfaircalendar.com/Chicagoartfairs


11. Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, MO – Sept. 21-23, 2012*

The streets of the Country Club Plaza become an outdoor art gallery each September as art enthusiasts flock to the Plaza to see displays of magnificent works of art from the nation’s top visual artists. Expect 240 artists from 30 states, a very competitive event…everyone is good! Beyond the art this beautiful shopping area also hosts delicious food from nearby restaurants, great music and interactive art experiences for all ages.
For more info: www.artfaircalendar.com/Midwestartfairs


12. Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival, Lancaster, PA – August 31-September 3, 2012*

Come and unwind at one of America’s top fine art and craft shows featuring original work from 200 of the best artists in the country. Free entertainment and great food all presented in a lovely park. This is a great place to spend Labor Day weekend.


13. Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston, VA – May 19 & 20, 2012*

This festival brings the finest contemporary arts and crafts to the Greater Reston area in a festive celebration of art, life and culture. A beautiful event with top artists who travel a long way to present their work to a sophisticated clientele. If you are going to be in the area put this event on your calendar.

14. Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival, Winter Park, FL – March 16-18, 2012*

All the artists want to be in Florida in the winter, consequently this beautiful show receives record numbers of applicants. This ensures that you will have an amazing number of excellent choices when it is time to purchase artwork. First timers viewing the show wonder where all this talent came from…and you thought central Florida didn’t have culture. You’ll love this show.

 

    Editor’s Top Show Picks: HONORABLE MENTIONS

American Craft Council Craft Fair, Baltimore, MD - February 24-26, 2012*

Scottsdale Arts Festival, Scottsdale, AZ - March 9-11, 2012*

LaQuinta Arts Festival, near Palm Springs, CA - March 8-11, 2012*

Bayou City Art Festival, Houston, TX - March 23-25, 2012*

Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, D.C. – April 19-22, 2012*

Main Street, Fort Worth Arts Festival, Ft. Worth, TX – April  19-22, 2012*

Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts, Oklahoma City, OK - April 24-29, 2012*

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival - two weekends: April 27-29 & May 3-6, 2012*

Brookside Art Annual, Kansas City, MO – May 4-6, 2012*

Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus, OH – June 1-3, 2012*

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, State College, PA – July 12-15, 2012*
    For more info:  www.arts-festival.com

Krasl Art Fair, St. Joseph, MI – July 14 & 15, 2012*

Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair, Bellevue, WA - July 27-29, 2012*

Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis, MN – August  3-5, 2012*

Park City Art Festival, Park City, UT – August  3-5, 2012*

Arts, Beats & Eats, Royal Oak, MI – August 31-September 3, 2012*
   For more info:  www.artsbeatseats.com

Atlanta Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA - September 15 & 16, 2012*

 

Do you agree with this list? Do you know an art fair that should be listed here?
Please let me know by commenting below.

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Comments

[alicia]

St. James Court Art Fair in Louisville, KY isn't listed. I've been to several of the top tens listed here and they aren't even close to this one. Makes me wonder where they get their info.

[Ginny Herzog]

I don't think that Coconut Grove Arts Festival deserves to be on the list of the top shows any longer. The fact that they went through their entire wait list and called up rejected artists to fill the show seems to indicate that the artists are not placing this show very high on their list, either. Their fees are too high and they no longer attract the wonderful collectors. IMHO

[Kathleen Hughes]

New dates for La Quinta Arts Festival are March 11-14, 2010. Thank you for including us in your list of Honorable Mentions. Please let me know if your require any other information. Our website is: www.LQAF.com

Important artist and art patron info is available online.

[Tom]

I have to agree on St. James Art Fair. It is my
second favorite after Ann Arbor.
http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com
Tom

[RaycerX]

What about Madison's Art Festival. Much larger and more comprehensive than many of the above. The vibe is great too.

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Thanks, RaycerX. We welcome your opinions on the shows that you have attended. We will take them into consideration when we are working on the Best Art Fairs list in the future.

[BOBBI]

PLEASE HELP ME FIND THE BEST ART SHOWS FOR GLASS.. THERE MUST BE SHOWS THAT FEATURE YOUNG GLASS ARTISTS, SEASONED GLASS ARTISTS, AND WE ARE NOT FINDING THEM THANKS SO MUCH.

BOBBIMAR@GMAIL.COM

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello Bobbi, there is a glass show in Royal Oak, Michigan just for clay and glass. Unfortunately, it is held in June. It is the Annual Royal Oak Clay and Glass Show. Check it out for next year.

Jacki B

[denise.lombardo@wellpoint.com]

St. James Court Art Show in Louisville KY is the best by far. Over 600 juried artists in a setting of renovated Victorian Homes and streets lined with huge trees. Beautiful artwork and beautiful setting.

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Yes, Denise, the St. James Art Show is a great show and that is one of the reasons we have it listed on the Art Fair Calendar.

Jacki B

[M Thompson]

Which rock have you people been living under, St James Court Art Fair, in the MIDDLE OF AMERICA is the one of the best; you might have someone attend and then include their review. At 700+ artist and in it's 54th year, SJC deserves more attention than just being listed on the ART FAIR CALENDAR!

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello M Thompson, yes, the St. James Ar Fair is a fantastic art show. However, the Art Fair Calendar is all about promoting many fantastic art shows instead of just promoting one. You can catch reviews of the St. James Art Fair on our Facebook page. If you aren't a fan yet, you ought to be.

Jacki B

[Robert Crouse]

Hay - St James Court Art Fair in Louisville, Kentucky. Whoever writes this list has no idea the size of the show and the quality of artist in the show. - Get offline and come and expeirence an affair with art. RCC

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello Robert. Thanks for your opinion. We do know a lot about the St. James Art Fair. We look at many factors before we decide which shows to add to the Best Juried Art Shows List. If we didn't think the St. James Art Fair was a good show, it wouldn't even be on our calendar.

Jacki B

[Patty Street]

The Utah Arts Festival deserves to be on this list. 80,000 visitors. Really great and unusual art. Bigger and better than Park City Arts Fest in every way!

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Patty, thanks for your comment. We know that we can't please everyone with our "Best Juried Art Shows" list. We have tried to carefully choose the shows that made the list. Please remember that if any show is listed in our calendar it is because it is considered to be a great show. So, the shows that made the "Best Juried Art Show" list were just the best of the best.

Jacki B

[Bruce Campbell]

I am interested in printmakers working in the southern states. Are there any suggested venues I should visit?

KudzuGA

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello Bruce. Are you a printmaking artist? If so, you should check out www.ArtFairInsiders.com. It is a wonderful place for artists of all kinds. There is also a lot of help for artists. If you are interested in buying printmaking art, check out our Art Shows listed in the Art Fair Calendar at www.ArtFairCalendar.com. Find a show near you and go and have a good time looking at and buying some Art.
Jacki B

[Harold]

I am looking for the Best Art fairs in Florida near the Tampa/Fort Myers area. Highest rated. HELP :) Harold S

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello Harold. Any show that we have listed is one of the best. We have many shows listed in Florida. Take a look at the Florida page that we have. All the shows listed there are in Florida and there are no shows listed there that take place in other states. I think you will be pleased at all of the shows that we carry.
Jacki B

[Alison Armstrong]

Park City Arts Festival is a mediocre show at best, horrible parking/setup and mostly crowds who come up out of the heat to drink beer. (The galleries in Park City, however, do well in the winter.) Utah Arts Festival, on the other hand, has much better crowds and sales. It was rated 14th in Art Fair Sourcebook this year.

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Thanks for your comments, Alison. We do appreciate your thoughts on this show.
Jacki B

[Laurie Hein]

has anyone done the Downtown Miami Rotary Club Show , the last weekend in February? How is it? laurie

[Jacki Bilsborrow]

Hello Laurie, The website you want is our sister site, www.artfairinsiders.com. On that site you can ask other artists about shows that you are interested in. There is lots of information and friendships with other artists. See you there.
Jacki B

[pmarksbury@wildblue.net]

After all the great comments about St James Court I tried it this year. I have done several KY shows with great success. I had avoided St James because of the shear number of artists and the higher dollar for an outside show. I am not opposed to paying more when it is worth it but I left this year's show very disappointed. I don't think it was just me. I did not see the enthusiasm in the crowd, I did not see them walking around with lots of packages and many just hurdled by not even looking in booths. I would loves to hear from others who have down this show for many years as to their experience in 2011. Thanks