Fairs/Festivals
St. James Court Art Show (Fourth Street Section) 2026
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
Considered one of the finest art shows in the country, this autumn tradition draws 210,000+ visitors who come to purchase unique handcrafted items directly from the hands that crafted them.
The S Fourth St Section is the 2nd largest section with 150 artists. Located in the geographic center of the show, pedestrian traffic is heavy and artists generally report good sales. Booths are mostly level on the street, and directly accessible by vehicle pre- and post-show. Our jurors endeavor to select a spectrum of genres from traditional to edgy, appealing to both long-time art collectors and patrons new to purchasing handmade fine art and fine craft. The result is a tasteful selection of high-quality original work. We recognize our artists as partners and strive to make every aspect of your show experience reflect that philosophy through responsiveness, helpfulness, and support. Proceeds from the show fund various community charities, art scholarships, and neighborhood restoration and maintenance.
The S Fourth St Section is the 2nd largest section with 150 artists. Located in the geographic center of the show, pedestrian traffic is heavy and artists generally report good sales. Booths are mostly level on the street, and directly accessible by vehicle pre- and post-show. Our jurors endeavor to select a spectrum of genres from traditional to edgy, appealing to both long-time art collectors and patrons new to purchasing handmade fine art and fine craft. The result is a tasteful selection of high-quality original work. We recognize our artists as partners and strive to make every aspect of your show experience reflect that philosophy through responsiveness, helpfulness, and support. Proceeds from the show fund various community charities, art scholarships, and neighborhood restoration and maintenance.
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General Information
Images: 3 of work, 1 of booth
Jury/Application Fee: $35.00
FEES & DEADLINES:
Show Dates: 10/2/26 (10:00 – 6:00), 10/3/26 (10:00 – 6:00), 10/4/26 (10:00 – 5:00)
Returning Artist Registration Deadline: April 15
New Artist Application Deadline: May 1
New Artist Jury Notification: May 15
Notification Method: Email
Cancellation Deadline: September 1
Mandatory Set-Up Date: October 1(11:00 – 8:00)
Booth Fee: $575
Premium Fee for Open Sides: $50 - Prior Approval Required. Refunds will not be given if fees are paid with no prior approval and an open sided space is not available. Requests are considered in the order fully paid registrations are received.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. Booth fees will be refunded, less cancellation fee, prior to 11:59pm EST September 1. The fee is $75 if original payment was made by check, $90 if by credit card. No refunds after September 1 for any reason. The booth fee is for exhibit space rental by the applicant ONLY and is not transferable to another exhibitor, nor will it be applied to the following show year. If the registrant cannot participate, control of the space reverts back to the show and refunds are made per stated policy. No refunds if inclement weather is experienced during the event or if other events beyond the control of the organizers affect sales or hours of operation, including but not limited to other acts of God or terrorism. Organizers will follow the advice of police and/or weather service personnel in mandating evacuations or closures.
OTHER
Light snacks are provided each day of the show, full lunch (max 2/exhibitor) Friday and artist reception Saturday evening. Coffee is available prior to show opening each day. Booth sitting is available. Cash awards are given for the Best of Show winners. A limited number of double spaces are available at the discretion of the committee. A limited number of open sided spaces are offered to requesting artists in the order artists complete registration and remit payment.
Jury/Application Fee: $35.00
FEES & DEADLINES:
Show Dates: 10/2/26 (10:00 – 6:00), 10/3/26 (10:00 – 6:00), 10/4/26 (10:00 – 5:00)
Returning Artist Registration Deadline: April 15
New Artist Application Deadline: May 1
New Artist Jury Notification: May 15
Notification Method: Email
Cancellation Deadline: September 1
Mandatory Set-Up Date: October 1(11:00 – 8:00)
Booth Fee: $575
Premium Fee for Open Sides: $50 - Prior Approval Required. Refunds will not be given if fees are paid with no prior approval and an open sided space is not available. Requests are considered in the order fully paid registrations are received.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. Booth fees will be refunded, less cancellation fee, prior to 11:59pm EST September 1. The fee is $75 if original payment was made by check, $90 if by credit card. No refunds after September 1 for any reason. The booth fee is for exhibit space rental by the applicant ONLY and is not transferable to another exhibitor, nor will it be applied to the following show year. If the registrant cannot participate, control of the space reverts back to the show and refunds are made per stated policy. No refunds if inclement weather is experienced during the event or if other events beyond the control of the organizers affect sales or hours of operation, including but not limited to other acts of God or terrorism. Organizers will follow the advice of police and/or weather service personnel in mandating evacuations or closures.
OTHER
Light snacks are provided each day of the show, full lunch (max 2/exhibitor) Friday and artist reception Saturday evening. Coffee is available prior to show opening each day. Booth sitting is available. Cash awards are given for the Best of Show winners. A limited number of double spaces are available at the discretion of the committee. A limited number of open sided spaces are offered to requesting artists in the order artists complete registration and remit payment.
Application Requirements
The following information applies to ALL sections of the St. James Court Art Show. Please read it carefully before submitting an application. If you are unable to meet our criteria, please do not apply.
We reserve the right to accept or reject any new or returning exhibitor for reasons not specifically listed below.
RULES OF PARTICIPATION – all sections of the St. James Court Art Show '
All work MUST be original and of exhibitor's own crafting; NO BUY/RESELL; No production work accepted.
Commercial or imported items, items made from kits or green-ware, or mass-produced items are NOT accepted. Any person exhibiting arts/crafts that have any resemblance to such items are subject to immediate dismissal from the show.
Prints and mechanical offset reproductions (e.g. calendars, note cards, stationary) are allowed, but intent to display them must be clearly stated on the application. Prints must be properly signed and numbered, and prints/reproductions/giclees may not comprise more than 25% of the display. (This restriction is not applicable to artwork produced via traditional printmaking techniques (serigraphy, etching, lithography, etc.).
Musical recordings may not be sold.
No food or beverage products may be sold by those applying as artists. A limited number of food vendors are accepted to sell product for on-site consumption.
Artists are to provide their own WHITE display tent, racks and/or tables in order to display their work in an outdoor environment. Tent structures are to be of professional-grade and are to be properly weighted with at least 50 pounds on each tent leg. Booth structure and displays must not exceed limits of assigned space.
Exhibitors will cause no noise that can be heard beyond the perimeters of their own exhibitor space without previous written permission from the association in which they exhibit; and if that permission is granted, additional permission must be requested from the neighboring association if its boundaries are within 50 feet. This noise includes but is not limited to music (recorded or live demonstrations) or motivational tapes. Hawking of items is prohibited.
One application per artist/medium. Business partners or spouses working in different media must apply separately; those working as partners to create the same body of work and occupy the same booth space may submit one application. Artists applying in two different medium categories must submit an application and images for each medium.
Artists may only exhibit work in the category in which they applied. Additionally, artists may not bring work that was not presented to the jury. Artist’s items that are misrepresentations of works presented at time of application are subject to immediate removal from the show.
Exhibitors may not share booth space unless they have submitted a joint application and have been accepted as such, nor may they sublet or apportion space to anyone else.
Artists MUST be present and have booth open for business during all hours of the 3-day event. Any artist that leaves during the show will not be invited back.
Partners listed on application are not allowed to be here in place of the artist of record. Agents for artists, including dealers, frame shops and galleries are not allowed. Artists must show ID at check-in to gain entry to the venue.
Jurors will circulate at random during the show to ensure that all work shown is in compliance with these guidelines and the show reserves the right to consult other sources for verification of work or process.
SJCAS reserves the right to photograph and record video during the art show to be used for marketing purposes. As a participating artist, you are agreeing to the release of your photograph or likeness. If you do not want to appear in SJCAS marketing images or videos, please inform the director of your section in writing via email.
GENERAL SHOW POLICIES – all sections of the St. James Court Art Show
The art show is produced by a consortium of 5 neighborhood groups. Each section is responsible for its own exhibit space/exhibitors, which total approximately 650 artists spread over 3.5 blocks. You may apply to any or all of the sections (applications are not typically shared between groups), but participation is limited to one section. Once you pay a BOOTH FEE to a particular section, you are unable to accept an invitation to any other section. Booth fees will not be refunded in the event they are paid to multiple sections.
Any exhibitor released from one section of the show for infraction of participation rules is subject to exclusion from all sections of the show.
All sections of The St. James Court Art Show are juried annually and reserve the right to accept or reject any new or returning exhibitor.
Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tents with weights and displays, which should be sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weather and crowds. Artists can be held liable if they or any of their property cause damage. Louisville Metro Police provide security during the shows hours of operation; private security is on site after hours. The show takes place in an urban (albeit residential) area, so reasonable precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of you and your property. All work is exhibited at the artist’s own risk. It is required that each exhibitor obtain general liability insurance, as the shows’ insurance DOES NOT extend coverage for exhibit damage, bodily injury or theft.
Electricity and running water are not available.
The average booth space allotment is 10’ by 10’, but this varies since it is an outdoor show where natural and man-made obstructions can limit or increase its size. Tents should not be bigger than 10’x10’, nor should display height exceed 9’ to clear overhead tree branches in some areas. The show is held in a residential neighborhood; booth spaces throughout the show are located on concrete, asphalt and grassy, tree-laden areas, with some even straddling curbs, walkways and driveways. Check with the individual section contact regarding specific site information.
Exhibitors must abide by, and displays must be in accordance with, local fire regulations.
The Art Show is a pet-free event except for documented service animals.
Kentucky Kentucky
The city required Personal Conveyance Permit is included in your booth fee, provided in your packet, and must be displayed at all times.
In the event that the Artist utilizes any SJCAS staff member or volunteer for booth relief, it is understood that SJCAS shall not be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the Artist’s work, booth or goods. It is also understood that staff or volunteers shall not handle any sales or cash transactions or be asked to offer their services for more than 15 minutes at any one time.
Unprofessional conduct, failure to abide by the Rules of Participation or General Policies or abuse of volunteers is cause for immediate dismissal at the discretion of the Art Show Section Director.
We reserve the right to accept or reject any new or returning exhibitor for reasons not specifically listed below.
RULES OF PARTICIPATION – all sections of the St. James Court Art Show '
All work MUST be original and of exhibitor's own crafting; NO BUY/RESELL; No production work accepted.
Commercial or imported items, items made from kits or green-ware, or mass-produced items are NOT accepted. Any person exhibiting arts/crafts that have any resemblance to such items are subject to immediate dismissal from the show.
Prints and mechanical offset reproductions (e.g. calendars, note cards, stationary) are allowed, but intent to display them must be clearly stated on the application. Prints must be properly signed and numbered, and prints/reproductions/giclees may not comprise more than 25% of the display. (This restriction is not applicable to artwork produced via traditional printmaking techniques (serigraphy, etching, lithography, etc.).
Musical recordings may not be sold.
No food or beverage products may be sold by those applying as artists. A limited number of food vendors are accepted to sell product for on-site consumption.
Artists are to provide their own WHITE display tent, racks and/or tables in order to display their work in an outdoor environment. Tent structures are to be of professional-grade and are to be properly weighted with at least 50 pounds on each tent leg. Booth structure and displays must not exceed limits of assigned space.
Exhibitors will cause no noise that can be heard beyond the perimeters of their own exhibitor space without previous written permission from the association in which they exhibit; and if that permission is granted, additional permission must be requested from the neighboring association if its boundaries are within 50 feet. This noise includes but is not limited to music (recorded or live demonstrations) or motivational tapes. Hawking of items is prohibited.
One application per artist/medium. Business partners or spouses working in different media must apply separately; those working as partners to create the same body of work and occupy the same booth space may submit one application. Artists applying in two different medium categories must submit an application and images for each medium.
Artists may only exhibit work in the category in which they applied. Additionally, artists may not bring work that was not presented to the jury. Artist’s items that are misrepresentations of works presented at time of application are subject to immediate removal from the show.
Exhibitors may not share booth space unless they have submitted a joint application and have been accepted as such, nor may they sublet or apportion space to anyone else.
Artists MUST be present and have booth open for business during all hours of the 3-day event. Any artist that leaves during the show will not be invited back.
Partners listed on application are not allowed to be here in place of the artist of record. Agents for artists, including dealers, frame shops and galleries are not allowed. Artists must show ID at check-in to gain entry to the venue.
Jurors will circulate at random during the show to ensure that all work shown is in compliance with these guidelines and the show reserves the right to consult other sources for verification of work or process.
SJCAS reserves the right to photograph and record video during the art show to be used for marketing purposes. As a participating artist, you are agreeing to the release of your photograph or likeness. If you do not want to appear in SJCAS marketing images or videos, please inform the director of your section in writing via email.
GENERAL SHOW POLICIES – all sections of the St. James Court Art Show
The art show is produced by a consortium of 5 neighborhood groups. Each section is responsible for its own exhibit space/exhibitors, which total approximately 650 artists spread over 3.5 blocks. You may apply to any or all of the sections (applications are not typically shared between groups), but participation is limited to one section. Once you pay a BOOTH FEE to a particular section, you are unable to accept an invitation to any other section. Booth fees will not be refunded in the event they are paid to multiple sections.
Any exhibitor released from one section of the show for infraction of participation rules is subject to exclusion from all sections of the show.
All sections of The St. James Court Art Show are juried annually and reserve the right to accept or reject any new or returning exhibitor.
Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tents with weights and displays, which should be sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weather and crowds. Artists can be held liable if they or any of their property cause damage. Louisville Metro Police provide security during the shows hours of operation; private security is on site after hours. The show takes place in an urban (albeit residential) area, so reasonable precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of you and your property. All work is exhibited at the artist’s own risk. It is required that each exhibitor obtain general liability insurance, as the shows’ insurance DOES NOT extend coverage for exhibit damage, bodily injury or theft.
Electricity and running water are not available.
The average booth space allotment is 10’ by 10’, but this varies since it is an outdoor show where natural and man-made obstructions can limit or increase its size. Tents should not be bigger than 10’x10’, nor should display height exceed 9’ to clear overhead tree branches in some areas. The show is held in a residential neighborhood; booth spaces throughout the show are located on concrete, asphalt and grassy, tree-laden areas, with some even straddling curbs, walkways and driveways. Check with the individual section contact regarding specific site information.
Exhibitors must abide by, and displays must be in accordance with, local fire regulations.
The Art Show is a pet-free event except for documented service animals.
The city required Personal Conveyance Permit is included in your booth fee, provided in your packet, and must be displayed at all times.
In the event that the Artist utilizes any SJCAS staff member or volunteer for booth relief, it is understood that SJCAS shall not be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the Artist’s work, booth or goods. It is also understood that staff or volunteers shall not handle any sales or cash transactions or be asked to offer their services for more than 15 minutes at any one time.
Unprofessional conduct, failure to abide by the Rules of Participation or General Policies or abuse of volunteers is cause for immediate dismissal at the discretion of the Art Show Section Director.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
250
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
50
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
20
Booth Information
PRICING
Booth Fee: $575
Premium Fee for Open Sides: $50 - Prior Approval Required. Refunds will not be given if fees are paid with no prior approval and an open sided space is not available. Requests are considered in the order fully paid registrations are received.
DISPLAY SPACE
Both sides ofFourth Street Magnolia Avenue Hill Street
SETUP
Booth setup is Thursday before the show 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Direct load-in on the street within a reasonable distance is available, but be prepared to dolly several booth spaces. Wide vehicles (generally defined as vehicles wider than 7'6" at their widest point) are not allowed in the show perimeter during normal check-in hours. If your vehicle is too wide, your options are to arrive early (8am at the latest to avoid street closures) to try and get a close spot in order to dolly in, or wait to enter the street after 7pm. You may not, however, begin to unload or set up until you check in beginning at 11am. Extremely wide vehicles (box trucks, RVs, campers etc.) will not fit at any time. The maximum time a vehicle will be allowed to remain in the show perimeter is 2 hours and it may never be left unattended. As the traffic lanes are tight, be prepared to set up with your back tent legs on the curb to avoid obstructing moving vehicles. These may be moved forward after set-up ends. There is no general vehicular access after 8am each show day until the show closes Sunday evening and the venue is cleared of pedestrians (this is subject to change by order of LMPD for public safety concerns).
Generators are permissible only if not seen or heard and do not emit any odors. Electricity is not provided.
Please note, because of the difficulty of set up, it is generally not cost effective for local tent companies to rent tents to individual artists, and when willing they are often unable to work within our setup parameters. If you must rent a tent locally, be prepared to pick it up and bring it onsite when you set-up. If you are unable to do this,Fourth St
PARKING
Free parking is by permit only on the east side of the 1300 block of Fourth Street (Magnolia to Park St) and Gaulbert between Third and Fourth. Paid parking is available in various area lots. RVs or other similarly large vehicles may not be parked on city streets overnight or during the show. Parking options will be provided ahead of time. Be aware that free parking is limited, and also restricted to 1 vehicle per artist (vehicle or trailer, not both) so be prepared to use a fee-lot.
Booth Fee: $575
Premium Fee for Open Sides: $50 - Prior Approval Required. Refunds will not be given if fees are paid with no prior approval and an open sided space is not available. Requests are considered in the order fully paid registrations are received.
DISPLAY SPACE
Both sides of
SETUP
Booth setup is Thursday before the show 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Direct load-in on the street within a reasonable distance is available, but be prepared to dolly several booth spaces. Wide vehicles (generally defined as vehicles wider than 7'6" at their widest point) are not allowed in the show perimeter during normal check-in hours. If your vehicle is too wide, your options are to arrive early (8am at the latest to avoid street closures) to try and get a close spot in order to dolly in, or wait to enter the street after 7pm. You may not, however, begin to unload or set up until you check in beginning at 11am. Extremely wide vehicles (box trucks, RVs, campers etc.) will not fit at any time. The maximum time a vehicle will be allowed to remain in the show perimeter is 2 hours and it may never be left unattended. As the traffic lanes are tight, be prepared to set up with your back tent legs on the curb to avoid obstructing moving vehicles. These may be moved forward after set-up ends. There is no general vehicular access after 8am each show day until the show closes Sunday evening and the venue is cleared of pedestrians (this is subject to change by order of LMPD for public safety concerns).
Generators are permissible only if not seen or heard and do not emit any odors. Electricity is not provided.
Please note, because of the difficulty of set up, it is generally not cost effective for local tent companies to rent tents to individual artists, and when willing they are often unable to work within our setup parameters. If you must rent a tent locally, be prepared to pick it up and bring it onsite when you set-up. If you are unable to do this,
PARKING
Free parking is by permit only on the east side of the 1300 block of Fourth Street (Magnolia to Park St) and Gaulbert between Third and Fourth. Paid parking is available in various area lots. RVs or other similarly large vehicles may not be parked on city streets overnight or during the show. Parking options will be provided ahead of time. Be aware that free parking is limited, and also restricted to 1 vehicle per artist (vehicle or trailer, not both) so be prepared to use a fee-lot.
Refund Policy
We will issue a 75% refund if you cancel before Sept. 1. If after Sept 1 you will not recieve one
Additional Fees
Booth Fee - Double Space - DO NOT BUY UNLESS APPROVED: $1,150
Booth Fee - Single Space - BUY ONE ONLY - Credit Card: $575
Open-Side - DO NOT BUY UNLESS APPROVED: $50
Terms to Apply
Jury / Processing Fee: $35
