Festival Announces Passing of Former Longtime Art Director
It is with sadness that the Festival announces the passing of Phil Hermansen, former Art Director and graphic designer, on February 15, 2025. Phil spent 22 years at the Festival, from 1995 to 2017, and left an indelible mark during decades when the Festival grew and changed in significant ways.
“Phil was an incredible artist who was instrumental in providing the ‘look’ of the Festival starting in the mid-1990’s,” says Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “His graphic images were fundamental in capturing the stories of the plays and the entire Festival Experience.”
Phil was known for his creativity, his love of art and visual storytelling, and his reserved but warm professionalism. As a part of the Festival’s marketing and publications team, he was a generous collaborator on all kinds of projects.
Kami Terry Paul, now general manager, was part of the same marketing team for many years with Phil. “He created the graphic look of the Festival for years. Several logos, dozens of souvenir programs, and hundreds of ads, posters, and graphics came directly from his creative skill,” Paul says.
“Phil was always actively imagining and creating magnificent designs,” Bahr continues. “Some of my favorite memories were when he would share ideas and drawings. I could see a tip of the iceberg of the brilliance flashing through the sketches on his drawing pads that he always kept nearby.” Many of these hand-drawn sketches and illustrations played a visual part in designs and campaigns throughout the years.
Not one to praise his own work, it frequently received recognition and awards, and he helped to establish the Festival’s standard of high quality visual art and publications. Through his close bond with so many, but especially the late former publications manager Bruce Lee and Festival photographer Karl Hugh, he brought joy, creativity, and inspiration to the organization.
“He was so dedicated to the Festival, and he was always trying new things to improve himself as an artist,” continues Paul.
Current Art Director Clare Campbell comments how much she enjoyed getting to learn from him as their time at the Festival overlapped.
“Phil was so kind and creative. He was also a great mentor to learn from, whether it was in person or through the legacy he left behind through his work,” Campbell says.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 pm at the LDS meetinghouse located at 500 West 400 North in Cedar City, Utah. The full obituary can be found at mcmillanmortuary.com/obituaries/philip-hermansen.
Phil’s Festival family sends our deepest condolences, prayers, and love to his family during this difficult time.
