The weather cooperated and thousands of visitors enjoyed the 63rd Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff Saturday and Sunday in St. Joseph. 173 artists from around the nation offered their works for sale in dozens of categories of artistic expression.
Each year, an onsite jury of arts experts evaluates every artist booth based on the same criteria used in the pre-fair jury. The onsite scores determine the Category Award Winners. There are 11 categories, 13 total awards, with each recipient receiving an invitation to the 2026 fair and a $200 cash award. Additionally, the Krasl Art Center’s Board of Directors selects an artist for the prestigious Krasl Art Center Board Choice Award. This year continues the tradition of the Spirit of Olga Award, honoring Krasl Art Center’s benefactress Olga Krasl. This award celebrates artistic merit, personal character, poise, community spirit, and a love of travel – traits that epitomize Mrs. Krasl.
The hybrid award ceremony was held virtually on Krasl’s Art Fair on the Bluff Facebook page and on their grounds on Sunday at 9 am. Winning artists will also be announced throughout the event on Facebook, Instagram, and online at krasl.org.
The Krasl Art Fair is thrilled to announce this year’s winners in each of the 11 categories, as well as the recipients of the Board Choice and Spirit of Olga Awards:
The Best of Clay category award, presented by The Livery, goes to:
Thomas and Sarah Gelsanliter | Booth 146 | Milan MI
The Best of Drawing/Printmaking category award, presented by Parrett Company, goes to:
Christina and Dennis Jacobs | Booth 54 | Madison Heights M
The Best of Fibers category award, presented by Lazer Graphics, goes to:
Don Widmer | Booth 141 | Chicago IL
The Best of Mixed Media – 2D/3D category award, presented by DLZ, goes to:
Xiao Xia Zhang Minich | Booth 161 | Olmsted Township OH
The Best of Glass category award, presented by Anne Odden, goes to
Al Sievers | Booth 153 | Batavia IL
The Best of Jewelry category award, presented by Jane Addams Research Center, goes to:
Sharon Donovan | Booth 65 | Ann Arbor MI
The Best of Metal category award, presented by The Secret Garden, goes to:
Chad Anderson | Booth 50 | Cedar Springs MI
The Best of Painting category award, presented by Leo, Inc., goes to:
Vladimir Pailodze | Booth 62 | Lake Zurich IL
The Best of Photography category award, presented by Twin City Camera Club, goes to:
John Leben | Booth 120 | Saugatuck MI
The Best of Wood category award, presented by Priebe’s Creative Woodworking, goes to:
John Anderson | Booth 103 | Chattanooga TN
The Best of Emerging Artist category award, presented by IBID Electric Co., goes to:
M. Joy Lemon | Booth 68 | Kentwood MI
The Spirit of Olga Award, Anonymously presented, goes to:
Kenneth Keifer | Booth 85 | Mooresville IN
The Board of Directors’ Choice Award, goes to
Gedion Nyanhongo | Mixed Media – 2D/3D | Booth 115 | Fostoria OH
Art Fair Sponsors
The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff is made possible by the generous support of sponsors dedicated to inspiring meaningful change and strengthening the community through visual arts. The 2025 Art Fair was presented by 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services.
Other sponsors include Premier Sponsors: Mid-West Family Marketing & Media, City of St. Joseph, LKF Marketing, MailMax, Pepsi Co., Signature Toyota, and Visit Southwest Michigan.
Supporting Sponsors: Forte Coffee, The Livery, and Clark Logic.
Contributing Sponsors: Schu’s Grill & Bar, Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, Cressy & Everett Real Estate, Ravitron, Domaine Berrien Cellars, Villwock’s Outdoor Living, and Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion.
