MU Extension Announces Show Me Neighborhood Art Week June 1-15
To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missourians must register here online. The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24. Preexisting and new public art can be registered, but only new art can be considered for prizes. The location for this event is ALL of Missouri -- your front yard, your neighborhood, and your community. The online state map marking locations around Missouri will be interactive. If you have questions, please see the contact emails at the end of this blog.
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - University of Missouri Extension has announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This outreach program strives to promote creative expression and public art made by residents, regardless of their skill level, as a contribution to the community's sense of place and residents' sense of belonging.
The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in Springfield, Missouri, in 2020. LAWN aimed to empower public art made by the people, promoting Springfield's sense of place and the built environment we all share. It was founded and organized by Sculpture Walk Springfield, Springfield Art Museum, Missouri State University: Art + Design Department, and Greene County MU Extension Council.
All Missourians are encouraged to participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week by creating art using materials available at home, such as yard sculptures, chalk art projects, painted stones, or murals, in front of their residence or shared space in their neighborhood.
Organizers of Show Me Neighborhood Art Week confirm that one goal of developing this whole week of neighborhood art was to encourage artmaking and viewing as a form of bolstering mental health by creating a sense of belonging among participants and those who view the art.
"We live in a culture where we are always in a hurry and hide behind phones and garage doors, which causes us to avoid neighborly interaction and makes it difficult to love your neighbor if you do not see them," said David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension and the creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "There is a unique value to art created for the community, by the community, as a way to strengthen social bonds with neighbors through art."
Key findings from a 2020 study by the Knight Foundation revealed that people with access to arts and cultural activities are more attached to their communities. That attachment boosts feelings of satisfaction and lifestyle fit and correlates with a more significant investment of time and resources in the community.
"People with access to arts and cultural activities are more attached to their communities because it boosts feelings of satisfaction and lifestyle fit and correlates with greater investment of time and resources in the community," said Lisa Overholser, a community arts specialist with MU Extension in St. Louis County. "Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is a program that capitalizes on these findings and seeks to increase access to this level of participation."
Elna Stephenson is a community arts specialist with MU Extension in the Kansas City area and she is equally excited about the event.
“Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is the perfect example of a program that highlights Community Development while activating various neighborhoods and communities across the state,” said Stephenson. “Kansas City has a robust arts district in the Crossroads, but I am eager to see the pockets of art communities in downtown Englewood and the Historic Northeast get involved in this project.”
Deana Dothage, an MU Extension Engagement Specialist for St. Charles County, said her goal for promoting Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is primarily to inspire people to inspire people to visit with neighbors while doing something fun for the enjoyment of one’s entire neighborhood and community.
To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, all Missourians must register online and include the location of their art installation. The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24.
All registered participants will be eligible for one of the statewide prizes recognizing the best art installations, including one "Best in Show," eight "Outstanding Regional Awards," and "People's Choice Awards," determined by social media voting.
Registered sites will receive a sign designating the site as an official Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week stop. The MU Extension website will include a map of art installations across the state.
Those wanting ideas about what to create can also watch two videos about previous projects available here by clicking on the hyperlinks. One video is on creating barn quilts, and another one is on creating spin art.
Are you seeking creative ideas for how you or your neighbors can participate this week, or do you need more information on how this could work in your community? Contact a team member.
David Burton (Springfield-area) - burtond@missouri.edu
Lisa Overholser (St. Louis-area) - overholserl@missouri.edu
Deana Dothage (St. Charles-area) - deanadothage@missouri.edu
Ashley Allen-Brown (Camdenton-area) - allen-browna@missouri.edu
Elena Stephenson (Kansas City-area) - elenastephenson@missouri.edu
Shown above are two of the newly painted barn quilts for the community display in Owen Park, Republic, Missouri. Over ten neighbors have worked together to create this new art installation.
MORE INFORMATION
Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.
Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.
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