2026 KRASL ART FAIR DETAILS ANNOUNCED

Media Contact:

Jamie Balkin

Director of Events

Krasl Art Center 

jamie@krasl.org 

KRASL.ORG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 15th, 2026

SAINT JOSEPH, MI — Krasl Art Center, in partnership with Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, announced details for the 2026 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff at a Business After Hours event on Thursday, May 14th. In addition to the details shared, the commemorative artwork for 2026 as well as the winner of the inaugural label design competition were shared. The 2026 event is FREE to attend with suggested donations welcomed and encouraged. 

EVENT DETAILS

The Annual Block Party will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5 to 9 PM. Kicking off the entertainment is singer Savannah Nicks from Elkhart, Indiana. Headlining this year’s event is Jewell & the Future from the Michiana region. The Block Party will feature three food trucks, wine from Domaine Berrien, beer from Watermark Brewing and ice cold Pepsi Products. There is a $10 cover charge to attend. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Visit www.krasl.org to learn more. 

The 64th Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 10 AM to 5:00 PM. The event will feature 172 artists from throughout the United States. 

COMMEMORATIVE ART WORK

This year’s artist is a first time participant in the Krasl Art Fair. Amy Jamison is an extraordinary watercolor artist. In 2023, she was accepted into the emerging artist program with the St. Louis Art Fair. It opened her eyes to an exciting career of traveling the country to showcase her art. In 2025, she made the hard decision to close her teaching studio and has been traveling since, but still teaches occasionally. She resides in a rural community in Warrenton, MO. Merchandise for the 2026 Art Fair includes a poster, t-shirt, and a canvas bag. Visit https://krasl.org/art-fair/merchandise/ to get this year’s merchandise. 

LABEL DESIGN COMPETITION

Krasl Art Center Executive Director Tami Fauver shared, “We are very happy about our partnership with Watermark Brewery this year. They are an energetic, creative and vibrant group. Watermark wanted to collaborate on a custom cocktail with an artist made can. They pulled on their expertise in the beverage industry and we connected with the artist community to make this exciting project come to life.” 

Krasl Art Center received 25 entries by artists for the label design competition. 

“The cocktail is named the Krasl Handcrafted and the winner of the competition is Krasl faculty member Mariana Barros,” shared Fauver. 

About the Artist

Mari Barros is a Brazilian visual artist and graphic designer based in St. Joseph, Michigan and known for her bold use of color and mixed media. With experience in product design, painting, and immersive installations, she blends strategy with intuition to bring a rare synthesis of visual thinking and emotions. Her vibrant work also explores identity and culture through color, movement, and human connection.  

NEW IN 2026

Krasl Art Fair Director Jamie Balkin shared, “I am so excited to share some changes that we are making for 2026. We have been working with a committee of board members and volunteers to create more experiences as part of the event.” 

“New in 2026 is a public beer garden located on the Krasl Art Center grounds at 707 Lake Blvd in St. Joseph, MI. While at the beer garden, you will be able to enjoy the Krasl Handcrafted and an Arts Stage. The stage will feature live music on Friday evening as part of the Block Party and arts related activities throughout the weekend. 98.3 The Coast will be broadcasting live as well. There is a $5.00 fee to get in,” added Balkin. 

“We brought the shuttle back in 2025 and it was very well received based on the reception to it. We will be offering two shuttle stops in 2026. One at St. Joseph High School located at 2521 Stadium Drive in St. Joseph and the second at Michigan Works! located at 499 W. Main Street in Benton Harbor,” added Balkin. 

Additional changes include: 

• Chauffeured golf cart rides up and down the Bluff will be offered. Donations encouraged for this service.
• Local artists including Water Street Glassworks will be located on the bluff instead of on Krasl grounds.  
• Krasl Faculty & Guild Artist will be located within the fair near the Krasl grounds and the Ben King Statue.