LOUISVILLE, Ky. — St. James Court was filled with hundreds of artists this weekend as the art show made its triumphant return. The 65th annual show featureed over 600 artists from around the country, including Thomas LeGault.

What You Need To Know

  • St. James Court Art Show takes place October 1–3

  • Thomas LeGault is an artist from Michigan and frequent of the event

  • This year, LeGault is making his 29th appearance at the St. James Court Art Show

  • It's where he and his late wife celebrated their wedding anniversary each year
The annual St. James Court Art Show features hundreds of intricate works of art for purchase in Old Louisville. (Spectrum News 1/Erin Wilson)

A Michigan native, LeGault first discovered his passion for painting at thirteen when his sister took him to a painting class. Since then LeGault can most likely be found with a paintbrush in his hand.

“I feel like this is like my safe spot, I guess I've done it for so long that I feel comfortable in my own skin being here,” LeGault said.

LeGault is making his 29th appearance at the St. James Court Art Show this year after the pandemic canceled the show in 2020. Despite a year without showing his recent work, LeGault said the pandemic actually helped his business.

“People were buying hand sanitizer in the first stage, remodeling their homes in the second phase and while they're sitting around they realize that maybe they could, along with the remodeling, buy new artwork and change the interior of their homes,” LeGault said.

The art show holds a special place in LeGault’s heart. It’s where he and his late wife celebrated their wedding anniversary every year.

“She was such a big part of the business and we traveled for 41 years and got to enjoy so many beautiful places," he said. "I think she'd be happy that I'm continuing the tradition."

LeGault has been painting for 52 years, spending nearly 8 hours a day painting and creating artwork. That dedication makes it difficult to part ways with some of his pieces.

“I almost felt like I needed to have adoption papers with them because I really wanted to not sell them, but it's funny that people know the good ones, they come in and pick them up,” LeGault said.

Even so, he wouldn't have it any other way.

“Bringing something good, hopefully I create pieces that might be peaceful or joyful in terms of color and that people can connect with and go home and enjoy,” LeGault said.

After the St. James Court Art Show, Thomas LeGault plans to head back to Michigan for another show.