The Second Annual Fayette Festival of the Arts on August 7, 2010 was a resounding success , according to Dr. Henry Graham who spearheaded both festival and the very successful First Annual Fayette Festival of the Arts on August 1, 2009.  The 2010 Festival coincided with the Fayette High School Alumni Reunion weekend.  The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art on the Central Methodist University campus just north of the town square scheduled an exhibit to overlap with the Festival: "4 by 20: 80 Works from the Permanent Collection."   In addition, the Peacemakers Quilting Group sponsored a Quilt Show in the sanctuary of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, also on the campus of Central Methodist University, in conjunction with the festival.

More information will be available Summer 2011

This year's Festival expanded on last year's by adding a youth classification and the categories of computer art and fiber art to the art show, more performers and 2 hours of additional music from the bandstand, mounted medieval equestrian games, vintage motor cycles and autos, a tour of historic Fayette, a major BBQ, and more children's games and prizes.

Graham, a retired art history professor who serves on the Central Methodist University faculty as an adjunct professor of art history, was assisted by Jim Steele of the Fayette newspapers and Connie Shay of FAHA, among others. The Fayette Festival of the Arts is sponsored by the Fayette Area Heritage Association (FAHA) and the Fayette Papers with support from the Fayette Area Community Trust, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, the Armstrong and Fayette Betterment Association, the Commercial Trust Company, and many individual and business donors. 

Welcome to Fayette, Missouri!

The Fayette Festival of the Arts is enhanced by its location.  Fayette is the county seat of Howard County and the courthouse square provides a picturesque location for the festival.  Actors and musicians performed in the bandstand on the square or on the steps of the historic courthouse.  Stands were set up under the large old trees which shade the square and provided relief from the summer sun.  The Art Show was located inside the courthouse and visitors were invited to enjoy not only the art show but the many pieces of art which are on permanent display.  The Peacemakers Quilt Show was up the street in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on the beautiful campus of Central Methodist University which is also the location of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art.

Fayette itself is located in central Missouri in an area of rolling hills dotted with small farms.  It is easily accessible from Interstate 70 over scenic state roads from Boonville on the west and Columbia on the east.  In addition to the courthouse square, Fayette has a number of structures which are listed on the national historic register and festival visitors were invited to join a walking tour of historic Fayette.