Block Party returns to kick off Krasl Art Fair

kraslartcenter

The block will be rocking once again ahead of a popular downtown St. Joseph event.

As the Krasl Art Center prepares to host 172 artists from across the country for the 60th Art Fair on the Bluff this weekend, the Krasl Art Fair Block Party is gearing up to make its triumphant return Friday evening.

The block party, which takes place on the Oval Lawn at Krasl Art Center from 5 to 10 p.m.,  will feature live music, food trucks, local beverages, activities and a chance to meet the artists participating in the fair, according to event organizers.

“We haven’t had a block party in a couple of years,” said Krasl Art Center Director of Events Jamie Balkin. “The block party is almost like a birthday party for the art fair, so we’re really excited to be offering that this year.”

For Krasl Marketing Manager and Block Party organizer Matthew Bizoe, the block party has a special significance.

“I actually started as a volunteer with the decorations for the block party,” Bizoe said. “That’s how I got the job here is from the volunteer experience, so it’s near and dear to my heart. I missed it last year. To have it return … I’m really excited.”

Kicking off the live music at at 5 p.m. is Saxsquatch & Bridge Band, followed by The Lasso DJ and headliner Jordan Hamilton Trio.

Tickets for the block party are $5, and can be purchased in advance at krasl.org.

The Fair

With 87 returning artists, Balkin said that leaves a lot of new artists who are looking forward to participating in the event. One of the new artists is Angie Spears, of Texas, who was commissioned to design the fine art poster and t-shirts for the fair.

Bizoe said Spears has never been to Michigan, and she is very excited to participate in the fair. Her design includes many local and regional features, including local flowers, monarch butterfly and an iconic tree next to the staircase next to Lake Bluff Park.

“She’s been a delight to work with,” Bizoe said. “I’m really excited to meet her.”

There will be 15 different art medium categories on display at the fair, including clay, photography, painting, glass, metal, wood and more.

“Such a variety,” Balkin said. “It’s so cool to see all the different types of art you can experience in one location.”

Balkin added she is excited to be partnering with St. Joseph Today to add a farmers market concession area to the fair this year.

Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Advance single day tickets are available for $5 at krasl.org, and also can be purchased on arrival.

By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com