MU Extension Announces 2025 Winners of Show Me Neighborhood Art Week

Best of Show – One of 13 submissions from the Main Street of Marble Hill, Mo

A video of the live announcement of these winners and discussion about Show Me Neighborhood Art Week can be viewed on YouTube.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension is proud to announce the regional and statewide winners of the 2025 Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, a creative community outreach program that celebrates public art as a tool to build stronger neighborhoods and deepen residents’ sense of belonging.

Now in its second year, the weeklong initiative encourages Missourians of all ages and skill levels to create art that reflects pride in their neighborhood and contributes to a shared sense of place. 

In 2025, 68 sites from across every MU Extension region participated, and 434 public votes were cast to help us recognize outstanding entries. Fourteen votes from people out of state who were visiting displays. 

The number of registered sites and Missourians voting are down from 2024 due, in part, to a decreased marketing budget for the program. But the overall quality of the program was still excellent says organizers.

“Our goal is to foster creativity, connection, and community spirit,” said David Burton, MU Extension community development specialist. “We continue to see how neighborhood-based art brings people together and promotes a sense of inclusion and local pride.”

According to post-event surveys, 76 percent of participants reported an increased sense of belonging and love for the communities by participating in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week.

2025 Regional Winners

  • Northeast Region – Jane Lovstuen, Kirksville
  • Northwest Region – Morgan Jeffers, mural, Gallatin
  • Urban East Region – Crossroads Art Council, Wentzville
  • Urban West Region – Barb Byrne, Lee’s Summit
  • Southeast Region – Yellow She Shack Mercantile, Amber Huckaba,  Marquand
  • Southwest Region – Janelle Patterson, Springfield
  • West Central Region - Janine Castillo, Hume

Statewide Awards

  • Judges Choice Award – Amanda Lovell, Kindness Rocks, Wentzville
  • People’s Choice Award – Tenets of Springfield Botanical Center, Springfield
  • Best of Show – City of Marble Hill

Prizes for award winners are coordinated by each region. The Engaged Neighbor Program funds awards for the statewide awards.

The Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is coordinated by MU Extension’s Community Arts Program and is open to residents, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community organizations throughout Missouri. Participation is free and open to all skill levels.


West Central Region - Faith Over Fear Mural, Hume

Northwest Region – Morgan Jeffers, mural, Gallatin

People’s Choice Award – Tenets of Springfield Botanical Center, Springfield

Northeast Region – Jane Lovstuen, Kirksville


Urban West Region – Barb Byrne, Lee’s Summit


Urban East Region – Crossroads Art Council, Wentzville

Southeast Region – Yellow She Shack Mercantile, Marquand. Mercantile is owned by Mary Masterson and Amber Huckaba is the Artist!

Best of Show – One of 8 submissions from the Main Street of Marble Hill, Mo

Southwest Region – Janelle Patterson, Springfield
Display included a poem about dandelions.

Judges Choice Award – Amanda Lovell, Kindness Rocks, Wentzville


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via emal at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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