It was over eighteen years ago now that Craig sat with the Marion Small Business Committee and suggested that the creation of a high quality, juried, fine art fair might be a great tool for generating a bit of a buzz about our town. We have had several great directors who never wavered from that initial commitment to quality. Marion continues to host a show marked by the excellence of the work shown and sold. Great work and good prices have garnered a much deserved, enthusiastic audience for the Marion Arts Festival.

None of this could have been achieved without some truly fearless, visionary leadership. Victoria Quinn-Stephens invented the wheel in the creation of the First Annual Marion Arts Festival. And now, as our intrepid director, Deb Bailey, brings the 18th Annual Marion Arts Festival to the historic Marion Uptown District’s City Park, come and join the fun, see and buy some art. Finally, if you’re across the street in the park, come across the street to the gallery. Wander through the wonderful shops around Marion’s prosaic town square. All of Marion’s uptown folks are proud to open their doors to the excitement of this singular event. In this instance, it has never been truer: ”It takes a village”!