Editor’s Note: This article was published in the June issue of
HomeLiving
, a publication of The Papers Inc.
SOUTH BEND — The St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society began it as a way to share their art with the community by putting artwork on benches or clotheslines throughout the park. Today artists submit an application and photographs of their work to be reviewed by a panel of expert judges.
There are typically between 85 and 100 artists each year in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, woodworking, jewelry, textile, drawing and more. Those chosen set up booths for the art fair weekend to share and sell their art with the community.
This iconic art fair takes place the third weekend in June each year, which is always Father’s Day weekend. Setup starts on Friday and the art fair is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Booth judging begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and winners are announced Sunday morning. Many of the same artists return each year, with only one-third of the artists being new. Since the festival started, it continues to grow. Hedy Lane, fair coordinator, stated that last year over 200 applications were received with only 76 spots
available. Applications open in December and close in March. A panel of expert judges then go through every application and look at the quality of artwork and booth setup. Judges then take a second look at the artists who scored the most points and ensure there is a good mixture of each of the various art mediums present. High scoring artists who are not chosen are placed on a waitlist in case a winner is unable to participate. Winners from the previous year are jury exempt. An additional bonus of winning is a monetary prize. There is $4,000 in prize money given to the art fair’s best in show, first place, second place, third place, eight judge’s awards and two merit awards chosen from members of the Watercolor Society.
A special perk for current members of the Watercolor Society is the members tent during the art fair. Any member who does not wish to purchase a full booth or is not chosen through the jury selection can display their art in the member’s tent. The goal is also to allow newer artists to display their artwork and eventually get enough inventory built up to get their own booth. “I always suggest those who live in the area join the Watercolor Society so, even if they don’t get in, they can still be in the members tent,” Lane explained.
There have been some unique challenges over the years. While Leeper Park was being redone, the art fair had to move to the other side of the park for setup, which was a large change for artists who typically have the same spot each year. Ten years ago, a tornado force wind came through the area the day before the fair and multiple artists lost their entire tents. In June 2019, there was a lot of rain, which flooded the park and caused the organizers to have to run out and buy mulch in bulk since the artists’ tents were flooding.
Good cooperation with the South Bend Parks and Arts has been integral in making this a success. The nearby hospital and school also help to provide more parking options for those attending the fair. This fair is unique because it is strictly a fine arts fair with no promotional booths or live performances. “We want the focus to be the artists,” Lane emphasized. “That is how people make their money. I make a point to walk around all day and show my face to the artists who come and spend their time there. I’ll booth sit for people when necessary. I like to build relationships with the artists.”
One of the most important goals of the fair is connecting the community with these artists. “It’s the small moments of getting to know the artists and the patrons and helping to connect people with the community,” Lane mentioned. One of her favorites has been a grand prize winner who uses potatoes to make model dioramas from starch. However, there are so many amazing artists to view. The Leeper Park Art Fair has been ranked in the top 100 in fine arts fairs in the entire nation from the Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Leeper Park is located at 907 Riverside Drive, South Bend.
