CEDAR FALLS - Artists might call it "en plein air." The public might say "art alfresco." Either phrase describes the gallery without walls at the 30th annual College Hill Arts Festival, Friday and Saturday.

An estimated 12,000 visitors are expected to wander among 75 artists' booths set up on the shady lawn at the corner of 23rd and College streets on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

"What always strikes me is the support and commitment artists have to the high quality of their work, and the support and commitment from our community which welcomes them here and supports their work," says Mary-Sue Bartlett, who is co-chairing the festival with Vaughn Griffith.

Artists will exhibit and sell paintings, ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, sculptures, basketry, pastels, mixed media, graphics, prints, photography and jewelry.

For the 24th consecutive year Gary Kelley, internationally recognized illustrator from Cedar Falls, has designed the festival poster. He will sign posters at the event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday.

There also will be musical entertainment throughout the festival. On Friday, pianist Genadi Zagor will perform from 12:30 to 2 p.m., joined by soprano Karen Holvik. Standing Man Group is scheduled to follow from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with Uncle Chuck Finch from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and Orquesta Alto Maiz from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Kinetic Energy Dancers perform from 10 to 10:45 p.m., followed at 11 p.m. by the Recliners, Bill Shepherd Big Band from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and the Ramblers from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Young Art Collector's Gallery gives children a chance to purchase inexpensive pieces donated by participating artists. There's also a hands-on creative activity, sponsored by the Hearst Center for the Arts.

Food and beverage vendors will be on the grounds.

In 2007 and 2005, CHAF was named to Sunshine Artist magazine's list of 100 best fine arts and design shows.

Co-chair Griffith says the festival has achieved its status by maintaining its 75-artist limit, catering to artists and offering the public a mix of new and returning artists and musical acts.

"It's a compact festival. You can walk through and see all the artists. People tell me they've been to bigger festivals, but say we've got them beat because of quality and community support," he explains.

Contact Melody Parker

at 291-1429 or

melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.