Show Review of the Month Midwest Salute to the Arts

May 2025, by Sunshine Artist Editor

Midwest Salute to the Arts 
Location: Fairview Heights, IL 
Dates: Aug. 23-25, 2024 
Contact: Midwest Salute to the Arts 
Website: MidwestSalute.com 
Email: skassing@midwestsalute.com 
Phone: 618-792-4675 
Venue: 100% outdoors 
Space fees: $325 to $650 
Exhibitors: 90+ 
Attendance estimate: 8,000 

COMPILED FROM FASTAUDIT REVIEWS 

The Midwest Salute to the Arts is one of the longest running art festivals in southern Illinois. Eighty-eight percent of the artists who reviewed 2024’s event said they would exhibit again. 

“We love this show. It’s classy and well-done,” said a wood artist who made $2,000. “We participate every year. The show directors, volunteers, and customers are excellent. Well organized. Great communication. Very enjoyable. They treat artists very well.” 

One mixed media artist reported $4,200 in sales. This artist would do the show again due to the nice people. 

The community support is why an artist whose medium is painting wants to be invited back. The artist made $7,000. 

A wood artist who had $1,150 in sales would return. “Hot weather may have affected attendance,” the artist said. 

A jewelry artist whose sales totaled $2,500 would as well, saying it was a well-produced and organized show. 

Sales totaled $1,200 for a wood artist who wants to do the show again due to the excellent staff. 

Show Hours Comments 

A ceramicist who made $2,000 would not return. This artist thought the hours were too long and was disappointed in the caliber of the award winners. 

A mixed media artist also thought the hours — until 10 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday — were too long. This artist did not say how much was made and might do the show again. 

More Feedback 

An artist whose mediums are drawing and printmaking would not participate again due to poor sales and attendance. The artist did not say how much was made and suggested all sponsors/non-artists be placed in their own area or near the food trucks. 

A wood artist who had $2,000 in sales would return. 

An artist whose medium is painting made $2,500. “I would give it another try,” the artist said. 

A jewelry artist’s sales were close to $1,300. The artist would participate again and said, “It has a lot of potential — need wealthy people from St. Louis to come to Fairview Heights.” 

A fine art artist who reported about $1,100 in sales would do the show again. “It’s always pretty hot out, but that hasn’t been too detrimental most years,” the artist said. “I also like the people who run the fair.” 

A jewelry artist who made $1,100 said, “Attendance could have been better, but the event was well presented.” The artist would return. 

An artist whose medium was painting would do the show again because the promoter treats the artists well. “The organizers do all they can to make this show a success. I’m not sure why sales are low this year — no fault of the organizers,” said this artist who made $450. 

Also interested in future participation is another artist whose medium was painting. This artist made $8,400 and said, “I like it when the artists are treated well.” 

SHOW PROMOTER’S SELF‑REVIEW 

The Fairview Heights Arts Council considered the 36th annual Midwest Salute to the Arts a success. “With 90-plus artists exhibiting, every booth location was filled. As usual, we had a great diversity of artists in all of our 10 fine arts categories,” said Paul Seibert. 

The nonprofit arts council sponsors and creates the show. Seibert is a volunteer member of that council. 

He said while daytime temperatures were high, they were not the extreme temperatures they experienced in 2023. Plus, there was no rain or wind, making it a comfortable event for exhibitors and attendees. 

“As this is an outdoor arts fair, weather is important though not within our control,” Seibert said. “Friday night attendance exceeded our expectations. Sunday attendance was somewhat lower than expected.” 

Attendance was estimated at 8,000, with Seibert saying the International Festival of Nations in nearby St. Louis likely competed for attention that weekend. 

What Artists Said 

“Without exception, artists raved about how we took care of them,” he said. Artists commented on the easy in and out; event being organized, well-run, and well-curated; level of hospitality; nice amenities; beautiful setting; music and food; good communication pre-event; electricity set up; nice sidewalk paths for attendees; engaged judges; and real bathrooms. 

“Art sales were mixed. Most of our exhibitors reported good sales. Several reported disappointing sales,” Seibert said. “Overall foot traffic seemed lower this year than other recent years. Perhaps the St. Louis International Festival of Nations, not usually on the same date, drew from our usual attendance.” 

What the Promoter Learned 

Responses from exhibiting artists suggested the show’s hours be adjusted. “Numerous comments inferred that closing an hour earlier each day would be appreciated,” he said. “We will be considering that.” 

Their Best Improvement 

“We added additional food trucks again this year. And we always look to improve our support of our exhibiting artists,” Seibert said. 

His message to those considering this show is, “Come here to be taken care of. Allow us to use the words of our exhibiting artists.” One said, “The committee, council, and the volunteers — you all are amazing. I want to thank you for all you do — completely amazing — the time, planning, and benefits for all the artists. You all truly care about us.” 

Another artist said, “The artists are treated so well. Volunteers are great. Very good organization. You guys are awesome. We love it here!”