EVENT INFORMATION & FAQ

Krasl Art Center (KAC) is pleased to host the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff in person on Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11. Safety precautions will be in place to keep our vibrant community of artists, patrons, and event supporters safe in ever-changing times.

Sign up for Constant Contact email updates on the fair by filling out this form.

 

What to expect for the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff:

  • All guests are asked to secure a timed ticket in advance.
  • Tickets are $5 per person age 2 and older and free for those under 2. Tickets will be available online May 18.
  • To manage attendance size, a limited number of timed tickets will be available for each time slot.
  • Gated event. Lake Bluff Park will be gated to the north and to the south of Broad Street.
  • Cloth or paper masks are required for all guests, volunteers, artists, and KAC staff age 2 and up.
  • Increased hand sanitizing stations.
  • Artist vendors only (In lieu of a food court, guests are encouraged to explore local restaurants in downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph during their visit).
  • KAC hopes to see the return of the Block Party, shuttled parking, and food vendors for the 60th anniversary Art Fair in 2022.

Following recommendations from a community Task Force in January and February, KAC’s board of directors unanimously voted in support of planning this year’s fair. The 2021 Art Fair received approval from the City Commission in late February. With numerous changes underfoot, Krasl Art Center has brought a Volunteer Chair, Gayle Olson, and Co-Chair, Heather Shelby, to the helm to help guide this year’s event plans.

Together the two will help to guide the event, keeping the health and wealth of the community, the business sector, and artists at the forefront of planning.

Julia Gourley Donohue, KAC Executive Director, states:

“We are grateful to the community for their many years of support for this beloved event. From considering plans for 2021 to approval, and now as we finalize how to implement plans, we remain fortunate to have the leadership of many volunteers who will help ensure a successful and safe event this year. 

The new, advance timed ticketing plan will enable us to keep crowd sizes down for safety and in accordance with Executive Orders. Admission fees support expenses associated with planning the Art Fair and Krasl Art Center’s year-round free to all gallery and outdoor sculpture exhibitions.

We can’t wait to see our masked-up patrons once again shopping with living, working artists at the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff”

Berrien County Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli offered the following on the art fair:

“The Prosecutor’s Office has been in discussions with Krasl Art Center about the annual summer Art Fair. We believe the Art Fair can take place in compliance with current MDHHS orders and ensure the safety of visitors at this amazing event. Our community can use as much positivity and light as possible these days. The Art Fair helps our entire community achieve that.“

The full proposal approved by the St. Joseph City Commission is available by clicking here.

Planning the art fair is a year-round process for Krasl Art Center’s staff and community volunteers. Artists apply in October and are juried into the fair mid-February. In 2020, artists had already been juried in and accepted to the fair before shelter-in-place orders were given. Upon cancellation, all 2020 artists’ booth fees were returned. This year’s event will feature those artists who were previously accepted through the 2020 Jury process.

FAQs

Will I need to wear a mask while attending this year?

Yes. Masks will be required within event space for all guests over age 5; shield accommodation provided should any guests be unable to wear a mask. This includes vaccinated individuals.

I have a suggestion for the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.

Thank you so much for wanting to share your idea! Please fill out this online suggestion form. The Art Fair Planning committee reviews suggestions weekly before meetings.

How can I get involved with the Art Fair?

Volunteer opportunities will be shared at krasl.org later this spring. See all volunteer opportunities at krasl.org/support-join/volunteer/

Donations can be made directly to the Krasl Art Fair On the Bluff online or in-person.

For sponsorship details, email Executive Assistant Suzanne Arent at office@krasl.org.

Will there be Food Trucks/Block Party/beer and wine at the Art Fair?

Unfortunately, our plans do not include food trucks or the Block Party in 2021 at this time.

Are dogs allowed in the fair?

No. Just like in years past, for the safety of pets, guests, the artists, and their artwork no pets are allowed on Lake Bluff Park during the Art Fair. There are no pet-sitting services planned at this time.

All pedestrians will still be able to access Silver Beach by way of the staircase on Broad Street during the fair hours.

How do I apply for the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff?

KAF will not be accepting applications for new artists for the 2021 art fair. All artists who were accepted to the 2020 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff have been invited to return this summer. 2022 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff applications are expected to open in October 2021. Applications and show deadlines will be posted at zapplication.org

I was admitted to the fair last year (2020) and want to participate in your fair in 2021. Do I owe you a booth fee and when is it due? 

Congratulations on being selected into the 2020 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff! Your acceptance allows you to participate in the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff without paying an application fee. 

Please watch your inbox for booth fee deposit and full payment deadlines. 2020 Booth Fees were refunded. 

Booth fees vary by size. Please refer to Zapplication.org for details. 

What other opportunities are there for artists at Krasl Art Center?

Krasl Art Center’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts. KAC’s artist opportunities are diverse and layered, and support this mission. Learn more here.