It all started...

... when the College Hill Merchant and Professional Association decided to sponsor an artist festival in 1979, it was to enhance the Hill’s image and to bring more people to their shopping district. Under the visionary leadership of Hugh Pettersen, approximately 30 artists, most from Iowa, exhibited their art. Booths were set up on the sidewalks of the Hill and many artists had to modify their booths to compensate for the slope of the sidewalks! There wasn’t much the artists could do to escape the heat and humidity of July until the University of Northern Iowa agreed in 1987 to let the Festival use the tree shaded lawn at the intersection of 23rd & College Streets. This space was cooler and flatter plus it allowed for more artists. Over the years the Festival expanded from the original 30 artists to 75 artists from 17 states who are selected by a panel of three independent jurors. Community arts organizations were also then invited to have booths to encourage public awareness of and participation in the arts.

In 1995, Karen Mukai and Len Froyen took over the reins as Co-Chairs of the Festival. Under their excellent leadership, the Festival continued to grow and improve. Following their retirement at the conclusion of the 2003 Festival, Mary-Sue Bartlett and Vaughn Griffith became only the 3rd Chairpersons of the Festival in its 30 year existence. They have continued the tradition of maintaining the quality and integrity of the Festival which has continued to grow in reputation throughout the state and the nation.

The College Hill Arts Festival has been named to Sunshine Artist magazine's list of 'Best Fine Arts & Design Shows' in the United States for four of the past five years. Gary Kelley's 2009 Festival poster was awarded "Most Creative Concept" by Sunshine Artist magazine. In addition, the College Hill Arts Festival was named the “2006 Event of the Year” by the Cedar Valley Tourism Bureaus.

Festival Organizers