Winners Announced in First Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - University of Missouri Extension has announced the 2024 award winners in a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week (June 1-June 15).
This art-focused 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.
Winners in the 2024 event were announced as part of a live online event on Thursday, June 27. Prizes given are from other Missouri artists. Those selected for recognition included:
BEST IN SHOW: The mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main Street in Union, Mo. The Harry Weber bronze sculpture and book of Weber prints are the awards given. This award winner also earned nearly 13% of all votes cast online.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: "Driveway Flowers" on Parkhill Ave in Springfield, by Robin Kastner. The award given is a crocheted flower arrangement. This entry gained nearly 14% of all votes cast online thanks to strong support from residents of the Greater Parkcrest Neighborhood Association.
NORTHERN REGION AWARD: Susie the Snake, by Marj Locker, at 3rd and Main in Ludlow, Mo. Residents of the area continue to contribute painted rocks and keep Susie growing. The award given is the St. Louis Arch print by Gk Callahan.
SOUTHERN REGION: Donovan Maldonado painted a fancy woman’s face mural on Stanford Street in Springfield, Mo. Maldonado displayed the mural in his front yard for his neighbors to enjoy. The award given is two hand-crafted afghans made by Dana Hallam of St. Charles.
CENTRAL REGION AWARD: Versailles City Park (playground murals) by the students Morgan County R-II School District, coordinated by Jennifer Avey of the VHS Art Department. Students completed the project on the last day of school (May 24). The award will be an original oil painting by Jaree Donnelly titled "An Evening at Ha Ha Tonka."
URBAN REGION AWARD: "Sweet Gum Gardener" scarecrow at 13515 Ladue Farm Road by Dale Naas, St. Louis. The artwork incorporated sweet gum balls. The award will be the glass bowl from Englewood.
GREENE COUNTY AWARDS
The Greene County MU Extension Council decided to provide county-level prizes to four additional entries in that county. These hyper-local awards in one county serve as a tip of the hat to the birthplace of this public art event. Individuals named a "2024 Top Neighborhood Artist for Greene County, Mo." include:
"Yarn Bomb" by the residents of James Place Apartments at 2420 W Grand St, Springfield. The project was coordinated by Lakin Allen, Community Manager.
"Stained Glass," by Jennifer Kusak, McClernon St, Springfield, Mo. Ironically, when bad weather met, her chalk drawing would get washed away, so Kusak pivoted and came up with another idea for her yard.
"Barn Quilt Collection" by the neighbors of Stoney Creek Estates, Kentwood St., Republic, Mo. These neighbors met together and each created a unique barn quilt for display at the subdivision's entrance.
"Spilling Coffee" by Luis Cortes at Belcrest Ave, Springfield. This project was the ultimate example of recycling and reuse, and it actually received votes for Best in Show.
EXCEEDING GOALS
"We had participation from every corner of the state," said David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "One of the challenges with selecting winners is the subjective nature. In fact, eight different entries got votes for Best of Show. Our hope is that by giving awards, we recognize quality work and provide an incentive for others to participate next year."
The program exceeded first-year goals set by the organizing team, including:
● 73 total registered sites this year in Missouri.
● 1182 total registered votes online from Missourians.
● 293 people signed up for the Engaged Neighbor newsletter, and 600 entered the drawing for gift cards!
● $3000 in prizes will be given away to artists.
SENSE OF BELONGING
Individuals displaying and those voting on art were asked two questions related to the project's community impact.
Among those participating in Show Me Art Week, 75 percent confirmed that being part of the event added to their sense of belonging and love for your community. About 14 percent were unsure.
Organizers of Show Me Neighborhood Art Week confirm that one goal of developing this event is 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.
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.
"The attachment that happens because of art boosts feelings of satisfaction and correlates with a more significant investment 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."
BACKGROUND
Show Me Neighborhood Art Week 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. LAWN ended in 2023.
Now, all Missourians are being 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. Recycle and reuse is a theme of this public art exhibit.
Learn more about Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week on the MU Extension website, which includes a map of art installations across the state.
Members of the MU Extension team for this project include Lisa Overholser, a community arts specialist in St. Louis County; David Burton, a community development specialist in Greene County; Elna Stephenson is a community arts specialist in the Kansas City area; Deana Dothage, an MU Extension Engagement Specialist for St. Charles County; and Ashley Brown, a community development specialist in the Lake of the Ozarks area.
PLAN FOR 2025
It is never too early to start thinking about Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week 2025! It will take place the first two weeks of June.
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.
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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.
Awesome! Great to see so much participation throughout the state! Good job, everyone!
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