The Owensboro Art Guild’s Downtown Fine Art Show will return this summer, marking its fifth anniversary with a day of live music, children’s activities, and a showcase of handcrafted work from local artists.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 12 in the garden area behind Fetta Specialty Pizza, located on 2nd Street. Organizer Leeza Dukes said the show will feature up to 40 artist booths, along with food, drinks, and live music throughout the day.
The Downtown Fine Art Show was first launched after the city’s former “Under the Bridge” art event ended. Dukes said she initially partnered with the Daviess County Public Library to host shows in the library’s garden beginning in 2017. However, renovations and the addition of a playground eventually made the space unavailable.
After a temporary relocation to the former Towne Square Mall, Dukes partnered with Dennis Weafer, owner of Fetta Specialty Pizza, to bring the event downtown, where it has continued to grow.
“Our goal was to create a space where people can come out, relax, and purchase real art from local artists,” Dukes said. “A lot of very talented artists have beautiful work just sitting in storage because they don’t have a way to sell it. This show gives them that opportunity.”
Weafer said supporting the arts has been part of Fetta’s mission since the restaurant opened.
“Five years ago, when Leeza and the Art Guild reached out about the show, we had just begun displaying local artists’ work in the restaurant,” Weafer said. “Hosting an art show gave them the opportunity to showcase far more of their work than we could fit on our walls. It was a natural extension of our support of the local art scene.”
Organized in partnership with Girls Inc., the event will also feature activities for children, including face painting, T-shirt decorating, and sidewalk chalk art. Blues bands will provide live entertainment throughout the day, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
In addition to the outdoor show, selected pieces from registered artists will be displayed in the windows of Independence Bank on Frederica Street from June through the end of July. Art placed at the bank will also be available for sale, with no commission taken between the artist and the buyer.
“We want to get people excited about local art,” Dukes said. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about giving artists a platform and getting the community involved.”
Artists are encouraged to bring a range of work, with price points starting as low as $10 to make the event accessible for all visitors. Larger, more fragile pieces are discouraged due to the outdoor setting.
The event will include a competition, with prizes awarded to outstanding artists across several categories.
Dukes said the show consistently draws a couple of thousand visitors throughout the day, creating a lively atmosphere in downtown.
“We want this to be a day where people can come out, eat some great pizza, enjoy live music, let the kids play, and support local artists,” she said. “It’s really a celebration of our community.”
For more information or to apply for a booth space, visit owensboroartguild.org/downtown-fine-art-show.
