CEDAR FALLS - One of summer's most anticipated events, the College Hill Arts Festival's outdoor gallery of art will feature 75 artists from 17 states.

The 31st annual festival takes place from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 23rd and College streets.

Artists from 26 states applied to participate in the juried art show, said co-chairperson Mary-Sue Bartlett. "As word spreads about the festival and awards and recognition we've received, our national reputation grows and that leads to more high-quality artists applying," Bartlett explained.

"In today's economic climate, artists have to be careful which shows they choose and we're a proven festival. We have a strong patron program and such great support from the Cedar Valley community."

Three jurors select the artists. Art is available in a wide range of prices and to suit all tastes.

CHAF was named one of the country's best fine arts and design shows in 2008, 2007 and 2005. It is also ranked 104th in the nation by Art Fair Source Book.

Bartlett and co-chair Vaughn Griffith recruit artists face-to-face at other art festivals and CHAF belongs to the National Association of Independent Artists. Their attendance at the national conference increases the festival's visibility across the nation, Bartlett said.

New and returning 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.

Two University of Northern Iowa graduates, Justin Richert of Des Moines, and Sarah Kargol of Bath, S.D., were among new artists chosen.

Featured artists are:

Baskets: Marilyn Hanson

Ceramics: Dean and Gunnar Schwarz; Nate and Hallie Evans; Paul Jeselskis; Nancy Briggs; John W. Preus; Steve and Miky Cunningham; Justin Richert; Elisabeth Maurland; Kris and Al Clement; Peder Hegland; and Nick DeVries.

Fiber: Mary Ellen Christian; Margaret Koop; Mariella terBeest Schladweiler.

Blown glass: Kenneth Marine; Lisa and Cecil McKenzie; Douglas and Renee Sigwarth; LuAnn Van Langen.

Glass, other: Jerry Barnett; Cathy Soutter; Faith Wickey; John Crahen; Greg Heihn.

Graphics: Rita Orr; Michael Bond; Steve Nowatzki; John Schirmer; Joy Wallace; Rita Troller.

Jewelry: Courtney Payne; Ryan Frear-Rathje; Sue Hammes-Knopf; Linnea Lahlum; Candy McFall and Philip Hall; Jill Schienle; Gary Allen; Jay Nielsen; Debra Dembowski; Jeff and Darlene Dawald; John and Christine Strobel; Thomas Birchard; Faith Wickey.

Mixed media: Allan Anderson; Gena Ollendieck; Debra Lee Hellwig; Mindy, Greg, Jake Rhoads; Cliff Matyszczyk; Rhonda Cearlock; Nanci Griffin; Anne McGehee-Morris; Sarah Kargol; Shawn Wolter.

Painting: Bekah Ash; Dennis Dykema; Hans Eris Olson; Klaus Kuntscher; Hua-Yao Tung.

Pastel: AB Word

Photography: Judith Eastburn; Rick Canham; Michael Stipek; Glen and Gayle Wans.

Sculpture: Alice Calhoun, Kerry M. Christian; Bruce Coleman.

Wood: Jeff Easley; Craig Lossing; Mark Schlabaugh; Daniel Dunbar; Thomas Dumke; Craig Richardson; Paul Lambrecht.

Other: Ray Jasinski; Carole G. Osburn; Doug Gethmann; Amy and Jeff Dallas.