Arts Fair for Mother’s Day Weekend
St Louis: Art in the Park
Text and Photos by Vivienne Mackie
St Louis has many fun things to do, and here’s another to add to the list: the annual Art Fair in Laumeier Sculpture Park. It’s held every year on Mother’s Day weekend, and this year (2012) was the 25th annual Fair, on May 11, 12, 13, 2012.
Stroll around a gorgeous setting of large green grassy fields surrounded by trees and dotted with enormous outdoor sculptures. The Art Fair ushers in spring and brings 150 juried artists from around the country and nearly 15,000 visitors to the park. The combination of talent and beautiful setting make this one of the nicest things to do on Mother’s Day weekend, I think. You may even pick up an unusual gift for that special person in your life.
Artist booths, in tents, are arranged around the edge of one huge open area, with another row set down the center. Also interspersed are various food and drink tents, with tables and chairs conveniently set out. We had Greek salad and gyros at the Mediterranean stall, which was delicious. On the main stage near the entrance, various groups offer live music on Friday evening and throughout Saturday and Sunday. On Friday evening, there is also wine tasting and sales.
It’s fun just to wander, stop, and chat to some of the artists, all extremely talented people. You’ll see lovely jewelry, excellent photography, eye-popping paintings, and amazing woodwork items of wood you’ve probably never heard of, like lace wood, leopard wood, and zebra wood. We were also impressed with “Artistry in the Round”—beautiful circular creations made out of sliced tree burls by Dale Robbins— and with “Oddball Gallery”—spherical sculptures, many of wood, by Daniel Keith.
Also note ceramics, such as “Macon Clay” from Wisconsin, fiber and textiles, and printmaking/drawing. We were fascinated by Paul Palnik’s work, for example. He makes huge “cartoon stories” called Eternaloons, as he focuses on universal, spiritual, prophetic themes. See http://paulpalnik.com/ 
So, try to plan for next year’s Mother’s Day, 2013, at this great event.
To get to Laumeier Sculpture Park, take the Lindbergh Blvd exit south off I-44 West and follow signs to the park. Entrance to the Art Fair is $8 for ages 12 and up, and $5 for ages 6-11. Pets and outside food or drink not allowed.
http://laumeiersculpturepark.org/programs_events/art_fair
