2026 70th Anniversary St. James Court Art Show Poster
Take home a piece of St. James history! A very limited number of complimentary 70th Anniversary posters will be available at the St. James Court Art Show Info Booth at 6th & Magnolia during the art show. Just show proof of purchase from one of this year’s artists to claim your complimentary poster, while supplies last!
For an extra special touch, artist Mark Bird, will also be at the booth during select times throughout the art show to sign posters.
The official St. James Court Art Show 2026 70th Anniversary Poster by Mark D. Bird.
Artist Statement
The poster for the 70th Annual St. James Court Art Show is filled with history. It is reminiscent of the inaugural poster for the Art Show which I produced, along with C. M. “Sonny“ Whittle in 1981. We sold the entire signed and numbered edition in the three days of the Show that year and two trees were planted where we stood as a reminder of that achievement!
In the background of this poster appears a subtle painting of the Cawein House at 1436 St. James Court, which was owned and renovated by Malcolm Bird, Bob Smith and Jim Perry. I needed to include an image of this painting I produced and gave to Malcolm, as an acknowledgement of the beginning of the historic preservation movement in Louisville…and to remember him as the founder of the
St. James Court Art Show in 1957.
The foreground line drawing of a portion of the St. James Court fountain, is the same drawing which I produced in 1981 for the inaugural poster. I had it preserved in my archives for 45 years awaiting its next appearance!
The St. James Court Art Show has been integral to my artistic career, having first participated at the tender age of nine. I am forever grateful for the opportunities afforded me by my association with this Louisville tradition.
About Mark D. Bird
Mark D. Bird has worked in a professional career of over fifty years as a distinguished architectural illustrator and designer. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Bird has built a reputation for quality work… without compromise. Over the course of his architectural career, working with many of the world’s foremost architects and designers, he has illustrated countless projects on an international scale.
Additionally, Mr. Bird has produced commemorative edition artworks for public and private events, businesses, agencies and a multitude of other clientele. His works hang in private and corporate collections around the globe.
As a fine-art watercolorist, he travels in search of inspiring, architecturally significant subjects, and records his visions through his inherent senses of emotion and interpretation.
Mr. Bird has earned Signature Membership in National Watercolor Society, Kentucky Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society and American Watercolor Society.
His award-winning original works and giclee signed and numbered editions are available on his website: www.markdbird.com and a curated collection of high-quality merchandise at: www.fineartamerica.com