Beginning in 1985, Women in the Arts has been a unifying place for all creative women, officials said. Women in the Arts Chairperson Diane Wilson said the festival has remained unchanged for more than two decades, making it an important part of the community.

“There wasn’t a lot of places for women in this area to show art or perform music, so they created a place for themselves, and that’s what we continue to do every year,” Wilson said. “Now, it has become a community tradition; that’s why it’s important. It’s a time to come together and recognize that there’s a lot of women artists doing wonderful things worth seeing.”

The festival featured massages, henna body art, live music, poetry and storytelling. There also was an artist market with more than 30 booths of art, photography, jewelry, clothing, sculptures, books, handmade personal care products and edible treats.

MSU alumna and Women in the Arts artist Abby Deneau said the festival was a great way to not only support women but to support local businesses.

“It’s a chance for people in the community to come out and not just support women, but support the work of women and buy gifts for the holiday season that are made with love,” Deneau said.

First-time participant Deneau displayed her modern colorful handmade ceramic sculptures.

MSU law student Kathleen Miller said she has attended the festival for the past five years and the people, art and music are what keep her coming back.

“The great thing about Women in the Arts is that it’s always introducing you to new sounds, new people and new experiences,” Miller said.

Newly-solo artist Kate Peterson attracted a large crowd with songs including “Cryin” and “Coffee Stained” when she took the stage opening night with her unique genre of music.

“It’s pleasantly aggressive folk,” Peterson said. “That’s how I express myself. It’s heartfelt, it’s genuine. I can’t write songs that don’t have some part of myself inside of them, and I feel like people connect to that in my music.”

Peterson, who has been involved in the festival for six years, said the community’s support is immensely important to it’s continued success.

“There are places for women to play, but there’s nothing like this appreciation that you feel at this festival,” she said. “It’s warm, it’s loving, there’s no judgement, it’s just an outpouring of support. Twenty-eight years is a long time and I hope this festival is one that will continue to unite the community for years to come.”