The Krasl Art Center is declaring its 2021 Art Fair on the Bluff a success, after evaluating several significant changes to the event, made in an effort to cope with COVID-19. KAC Executive Director Julia Gourley Donahue penned a Thank You Letter to the Community, indicating that generally positive comments have been received after the event, contrasting with pre-show criticisms leveled when a $5.00 admission fee and first-ever gated event was announced.
Gourley Donahue says the Art Fair will almost certainly pay for itself and put some funds in Krasl coffers to help fund art education, public sculpture and free exhibitions all year long. The Art Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Krasl counted 13,700 persons through the paid gate Saturday and Sunday. Artists were generally pleased with the attendance, the sales volume and less-crowded atmosphere at the Fair.
Gourley Donahue has special praise for business sponsors who continued their support of the Art Fair, despite the challenges of COVID. She singles out the Fair’s first-ever title sponsor, 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services.
Below is the text of the Krasl Letter to the Community:
Editor,
On behalf of Krasl Art Center’s (KAC) board and Art Fair Committee, we wish to thank our community for a tremendous 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.
The City, sponsors, planning volunteers, artists, and KAC members showed early advocacy for presenting a 2021 Art Fair. From spring with state required COVID restrictions to final weeks of event planning, when restrictions rapidly relaxed, we have been fortunate to have your support and a new presenting sponsor in 1st Source Bank’s Wealth Advisory Services team.
Fewer artists (150) and smaller crowd (estimated 13,700 people) resulted in increased walkability, better visibility of artwork, and a safer event. The shift to a $5 admission and gated event (comp admission was given to all 91 people who made a request) was lauded by many, despite early social media naysayers. Artists travel from every corner of the country to participate; many experienced record breaking sales. Throughout the weekend hundreds of people visited KAC for BIG art indoors, family artmaking, and shopping local artists; all free of charge.
The cost of presenting Art Fair (approximately $130,000/year) is paid for by artists’ fees, and business sponsorships. Artists keep 100% of their artwork sales. Admission income this year raised $62,077 making this year’s event a true fundraiser for KAC, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Funds support year-round programming including outreach education, public sculpture, and free exhibitions.
Proceeds also support planning the July 9 & 10, 2022 event, including an economic impact study and strategic planning. Consultants are collecting feedback from event attendees, artists, and businesses; community feedback is critical. Artists apply this fall so planning begins in August. We invite you to join the volunteer leadership team and we welcome your continued feedback at artfair@krasl.org.
This year’s event held many risks; success was possible because of the hard work of the 300+ volunteers, municipal and business support, and a welcoming community.
Thank you.
Julia Gourley Donohue, KAC Executive Director
Gayle Olson, Art Fair Co-Chair
Heather Shelby, Art Fair Co-Chair
