Art lovers of all mediums attend Albrecht-Kemper’s Art Fair

By Jazmine Knight

Artists of all mediums unite at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art (AKMA) annual art fair.

Vendor tents lined the museum’s driveway as guests could explore and discover tons of local artists with work on display. They had a little bit of everything from henna artists, painters, print artists, sculptures and more.

Each booth definitely had something new to offer. Attendees could even enjoy live music from a wide selection of musicians as well as food and drinks.

First time AKMA vendor and owner of Moth and Moon Studios, Rebecca Reilly says she’s really thankful to the museum for hosting the event.

“This is such a gem that we have in our city. They put on wonderful things like this,” Reilly said.

Reilly works with multiple mediums including collage art, printmaking and drawing. So far, her experience as a vendor has been wonderful. “

“It’s really fun to be able to display art and talk to people about it,” she said.

“Any time they show an interest in something that you’ve done is just really fun. And to find out they make art or they do things too.”

Reilly says she’s definitely looking forward to being a vendor next year especially so she can encounter guests like Dani.

Dani Maltie, first time attendee, says he and his girlfriend just moved to St. Joseph from Tennessee. They were looking for things to do and saw the signs on the side of the road so they decided to stop by.

“I love art. Art’s a big part of my life. And I pass by here every day on the way to work so I said, ‘Hey, why not?’” Maltie said.

So far he loves St. Joseph. He says it’s not too big and not too small and local events like art fairs are right up his alley.

“All of it cohesively is nice. Like, I like that there’s live music going on because I’m a big music person too and they have good food,” he said.

During the fair, Maltie there were so many great artists with great pieces. He bought two prints from a vendor but wishes he could buy more.

“I’ve seen so many other really nice big pieces. I just don’t want to spend all my money on just artwork, but if I had it, I would,” Maltie said.

Maltie is grateful for St. Joseph and the museum for hosting this great event. He says he’ll definitely be back next year as long as he sees the signs again!