In October, 1963, Charles Cinnamon, public relations director of the Coconut Grove Playhouse, organized a “Left Bank” art show to publicize the opening of Irma La Douce at the Playhouse. The art show was a success and shortly thereafter the Coconut Grove Association was formed to put on an annual art festival.

In the early days, the whole community got involved, and Festival activities included an antique car parade, coconut smashing contest, concerts, and a children’s art exhibit. The Chamber of Commerce and Grove House artists helped in putting on the festival.

This juried arts festival has repeatedly been selected as the top outdoor fine arts festival in the United States, displaying the work of artists from around the world and attracting families and connoisseurs alike.

The collection contains a variety of material including correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, press releases, administrative files, photographs, ephemera and posters from the Coconut Grove Art Festival 1963 to 2012.

Collection consists of author files, press photos and other photographs, organizational records, financial records, audio recordings, video recordings, and promotional materials.

Author files (8 cubic feet): manila folders containing materials related to authors who appeared or were considered as panelists.

Press photos (1 cubic foot): biographical material, handwritten and typewritten correspondence.

Photographs: candid photos of KWLS authors and attendees; some studio/posed portraits.

Organizational records (6 cubic feet): 3-ring binders containing board agendas, minutes, related correspondence, and press clippings. Financial records (3 cubic feet) tax and accounting records, grant records.

Audio recordings: approximately 75 unique audio cassettes, 20 unique DAT (digital audio tape) recordings; 100+ unique CD (compact disc) recordings 1999-2008; 85 GB unique audio stored on digital drives, 2009-2014.

Video recordings: 7 VHS cassettes.

Ephemera and other promotional materials: posters, programs, postcards, and publications.

Books received with the donation will be cataloged separately.