MT. VERNON, Ill. (WSIL) -- Cedarhurst is inviting the southern Illinois community to join the Grand Finale of the Cedarhurst Art and Craft Fair. Museum staff announced that 2025 marks the final year for this event, which began in 1977 as one of the Mitchell Museum’s first major programs.
“We were one of the first craft fairs in the country, and it has been a core piece of the museum’s development and identity,� said Executive Director Hillary Esser. “It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to the fair, but our leadership team feels this is the right time."
Esser said it will be bittersweet to say goodbye but believes this is the right time for change.
“As culture shifts and Cedarhurst evolves, we will be re-allocating our resources to other areas moving forward - continuing to support the arts community and build affinity for our museum,� Esser said.
The fair has supported artists nationwide and raised awareness of Mt. Vernon’s museum, becoming a notable arts-rich tourist attraction in southern Illinois.
Cheryl Settle, an Administrative Counselor volunteer and co-chair of the Art and Craft Fair committee, expressed excitement for the farewell event.
“We are excited to make this a celebration and hope that the community will turn out to support the final fair,� said Settle.
The 2025 Cedarhurst Art and Craft Fair is set for September 5-7, 2025. For updates, visit or follow the museum's .
