CEDAR FALLS -- With a tree canopy overhead and grass carpet underfoot, art goes al fresco at the 29th annual College Hill Arts Festival.

One of summer's most anticipated events, this year's outdoor gallery is open Friday and Saturday at 23rd and College streets.

Approximately 75 artists exhibit and sell paintings, ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, sculpture, basketry, pastels, mixed media, graphics, prints, photography and jewelry. Musical entertainment, food and a student-only gallery add to the festival atmosphere. Admission is free.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

There are 25 new artists whose work will be featured, which may be a record, says CHAF co-chairperson Mary-Sue Bartlett. There are also returning favorites, including ceramists Dean and Gunnar Schwarz of Decorah and sculptor Dale Merrill of Mount Vernon.

"We've had no cancellations this year, which is somewhat amazing. Usually there's someone who can't come at the last minute, but not so far. It's fun to introduce artists who are totally new to the festival. Festivalgoers have certain expectations for the quality of artists we have, and we want to keep the show fresh and diverse," she explains.

Exhibitors were selected from 275 applicants through a juried process and represent 15 states. Jurors were Priscilla Steele of Marion, a working artist and adjunct art professor at Coe College in Cedar Rapids; Christiane Knorr of Iowa City, co-owner of Iowa Artisans Gallery; and Tim McGrath, a retired art/design professor at Iowa State University and working artist.

Dawn Dark Mountain of Monona, Wis., has heard good things about the festival and is pleased to be making her festival debut. "The show allows you only to sell original artwork, and that appeals to me because the work is of higher quality and the crowds come interested in purchasing art," says Dark Mountain, who works primarily in transparent watercolor using woodland Native American themes as subject matter.

She is half Oneida and uses beadwork patterns and other designs from her heritage. "I like to take the traditional stories and ideas and give them a twist. I have a different painting style that is often mistaken for airbrush," she explains.

Beaded jewelry maker Faith Wickey of Centreville, Michigan, was handed an application several years ago by CHAF organizers visiting an art fair in "Michigan or Illinois, I can't remember which," she says, laughing. "It was too late for that year, but I sent one in for this year. I've heard good reviews from other artists."

Wickey makes her own brightly colored lampwork glass beads for her work, a skill she learned 15 years ago. She travels to 25 shows each year.

Peder Hegland is bringing his pottery back to the festival after an absence of several years. "It's a nice show, well-run, and the crowds are enthusiastic. They treat the artists really well. We have a nice dinner, and they look after you, and that's an added bonus," says Hegland of Sartell, Minn.

He makes functional stoneware pottery "that's useful and connects with people, but has a lot of room for creativity. There's the sculptural part of making the pot itself and the drawing, painting and color that decoration brings in. I'm a one-man show, and I make one-of-a-kind pieces and variations."

Complimenting the artists' exhibits will be musical entertainment, food, a hands-on creative activity for children sponsored by the Hearst Center for the Arts, and the student-only gallery for ages 14 and under, which features original artwork created by exhibitors and priced at $5 or less. Performing artists include The Hands of Time, Karla Ruth, Orquesta Alto Maiz, University of Northern Iowa Youth Chorus, Bill Shepherd's Big Band, Bob and Jovita Long at 2:30 p.m.