The 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff ranked number 24 on the Sunshine Artist Magazine’s annual 200 Best art and craft festivals in the country. The ranking is based on artists’ reported sales throughout the year.
Artists were able to cast their votes from February through April to nominate their top 10 highest money-making shows from 2021. Artists shared their level of gross sales at each event and note whether they considered themselves fine artists or craftspeople for each event. The results were tabulated using a weighted scale based on four sales levels to ensure all events competed against each other fairly.
Sunshine Artist reports that the 200 Best focuses solely on artist show revenue – because that is the most objective indicator of a show’s future success. Subjective attributes, such as amenities, attendance levels, management, and overall quality, can impact sales but are harder to gauge and therefore have no direct bearing on the rankings.
Krasl Art Center (KAC) celebrated the 2022 60th Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff presented by 1st Source Bank this past July, and the community certainly set the 171 participating artists up for another successful year.
- The event was welcomed by beautiful weather and 19,263 guests from around the country.
- As the largest fundraiser for the St. Joseph non-profit, whose mission is to Inspire Meaningful Change and Strengthen Community through the Visual Arts, the Art Fair supports free exhibitions and public art in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
- Complimentary tickets were available upon request, providing 145 community members a beautiful Art Fair weekend.
- Saturday and Sunday ticket sales raised over $82,000 for KAC.
“This fundraiser would not be possible without the sponsors, city support, and volunteers who come together to host the nationally-ranked event. Krasl Art Center owes our deep gratitude to presenting sponsor 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services for their council and financial support and partnership of the 2021 and 2022 events.
“The 2022 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff event sponsors’ support was instrumental. Krasl Art Center thanks Signature Dealer Group, 98.3 The Coast, AEP, Mailmax, Pepsi Beverage Company of Benton Harbor, Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, Aisle Rocket, Boulevard Inn & Bistro, The Buck Burgers & Brew, Forté Coffee, The Livery, Pier 33 Marina, Schu’s Grill & Bar, Waterfront Framing & Design, and Wightman.” – Julia Gourley Donohue, KAC Executive Director
“KAC also extends sincere gratitude to the City of St. Joseph for their backing of the long-running event. Council support, Public Safety Officers, and city planners help ensure the event is safe and runs smoothly each year, and 2022 was no exception.
“Volunteers and community members support the event and also have KAC’s gratitude. It is because of the time and personal resources provided by you that create a wonderful experience for the visiting artists and guests of our community. We thank you for 60 years of continued support.” Jamie Balkin, KAC Director of Events
To stay informed about all the ways Krasl Art Center can be found in the community, sign up for email updates at krasl.org/contact.
