Excelsior Springs residents, it’s time to showcase your creativity! Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is here, an inspiring initiative by the University of Missouri Extension and Creating Whole Communities. This event is designed to empower residents to contribute to the sense of place in their neighborhoods through public art.
What is Show Me Neighborhood Art Week?
Show Me Neighborhood Art Week invites all Missourians to participate by creating art using materials available at home. Think yard sculptures, chalk art projects, painted stones, or murals—anything that can be displayed in front of your residence or in a shared neighborhood space. This project emphasizes creativity over skill level, making it accessible to everyone.
The Inspiration Behind the Event
This statewide effort draws inspiration from LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a program launched in Springfield, Missouri, in 2020. Organized by Sculpture Walk Springfield, Springfield Art Museum, Missouri State University’s Art + Design Department, and Greene County MU Extension Council, LAWN showcased the power of community art during challenging times. Show Me Neighborhood Art Week aims to replicate that success across Missouri.
How to Participate
To join in the competition, residents needed to be registered by May 24th, but that doesn’t keep you from participating.
Event Rules and Guidelines
- Create works that are viewable from the street or sidewalk.
- Use materials that are not hazardous or dangerous.
- Use materials that have a chance to survive outside for two weeks during a variety of weather conditions. (i.e. chalk may wash away if not covered)
- If your artwork is no longer on view during the two weeks, contact event organizers so we can update our map.
- No hate speech or derogatory images.
- Do not use other people’s property without permission.
- Artwork created remains the property of the creator, and they are solely responsible for the artwork.
How to Experience the Art Week
To experience Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, visit the University of Missouri Extension website for a list of registered addresses. Depending on your location, you can walk, run, bike, or drive to each art installation. Remember to respect private property, view art from the street or sidewalk, and avoid touching the art.
Take lots of photos and share them on social media with the hashtags #ShowMeNeighborhoodArt, #MUExtension, and #EngagedNeighbor. If you have a local display, please post a photo in the Excelsior Citizen Facebook Group for the community to see.
Event Partners
This event is brought to you by the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Creating Whole Communities, and University of Missouri Extension.
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