The annual Fayette Festival of the Arts is right around the corner and organizers are seeking works from artists.

The show will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, at the Ashby/Hodge Gallery of American Art in Classic Hall on the campus of Central Methodist University. The festival is expected to be bigger and better than ever. 

Categories for the Adult Art Show this year are: Painting in Oil/Acrylic, Painting in Watercolor, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, and Varied Media. Both professional and amateur artists are invited to compete in all categories, and cash prizes will be awarded for the top three places in each category. 

Art may be dropped off from 1 until 4 p.m. on Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 1 at the gallery.

The Festival of the Arts is one of Fayette’s premiere events and is run by the non-profit Fayette Area Heritage Association (FAHA). It features adjudicated adult and children’s art shows as well as live music at the bandstand, food trucks, vendors, a cake contest and raffle, and a classic car show (see ad on page 5). This year’s festival will feature a special Bicentennial presentation as Fayette celebrates its 200th birthday.

In addition, the Fayette Peacemakers Quilters Group will honor Fayette’s Bicentennial during their annual quilt show in August. “Granny’s Attic: 200 Years of Quilts” will be presented from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, in the sanctuary of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on the campus of Central Methodist University.

This marks the 13th year of the annual festival, which returned in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 The festival culminates around the town square at the Howard County Courthouse, which is beautifully landscaped with well-kept green lawns, shade trees, benches, walkways, and a quaint bandstand. The Columbia Community Band can be heard starting at noon during every year of the festival.