The Anacortes Arts Festival is pleased to honor artist Bill Mitchell as the 2010 Anacortes Patron of the Arts.

One need only drive into Anacortes to see the artistic influence of Bill Mitchell in the community. In 1984 Bill installed the first of his murals depicting historical people and events significant to Anacortes. As of May 1, the number stands at 125. The murals emerge from old photographs to include colorful characters, period vehicles and scenes reflecting the community's ties to the sea. A map locating the murals is available at the Chamber Visitor's Center.

A native to Anacortes, Bill started out as an underground cartoonist and later wrote a history column for the Anacortes American. Today he spends his time painting into the wee hours and working with a crew of four on his many projects.

He plans to wrap up the Anacortes Mural Project early in 2011 - in part because he feels it is time for him to write and teach, in part because "I am running out of walls here."

Mitchell's early ties to the Anacortes Arts Festival were through the organization of an annual Vintage Vehicle Show, which ended after 22 years in 2003. He moved from there to a more arts appropriate role as a demonstrating artist for six years. He's only missed one Festival since it began.

Despite the challenge of being confined to a wheelchair (and familiar motorized cart), Bill considers himself "a lucky guy". There is no argument that his grit, tenacity and talent have made a significant impact on the arts in Anacortes.