The History of Lilyfest

After a wicked winter storm, Bobbi and Bruce Bishop (both retired art teachers) discovered that nature had knocked down nearly 500 trees on their 40 acre property. It took two summers for the Bishops to clear the toppled trees. Once completed, they used their knowledge of color and texture to create spectacular flower and water gardens. The gardens turned out to be so spectacular that the Bishops, along with many of their friends, started calling them, “Their Little Slice of Heaven.”

Bobbi, an accomplished potter, and Bruce, a sculptor,  along with four of their artist friends – Wyck Proctor, Joan Newland, Micki Samson and Patti Behnke – came up with the idea to create a festival and opened the gardens for display and to sell their artwork. So in 1992, the six artists invited their neighbors, family and friends, wondering if anyone would come. People did come, about a hundred visitors the first year. Soon other artists asked to display their work during the mid-summer festival.

After that the Lilyfest took on a life of its own. Lilyfest has grown to over 60 artists, with live music throughout the three acres of beautifully designed gardens, showcasing ponds, and a variety of unique garden sculptures. Look for plant sales and ask a master gardener your garden-related questions. Enjoy the Butterfly House and stroll through The Lost Viking Hoard Encampment. Lilyfest takes pride in showcasing Ohio artists and especially Hocking Hills artists. See you there!