Registration Now Open for Show Me Neighborhood Art Month Across Missouri

 

Missourians are invited to celebrate creativity, community, and connection as registration officially opens for Show Me Neighborhood Art Month, a statewide initiative led by University of Missouri Extension that encourages residents to create and display neighborhood-based public art during the entire month of June.

Previously celebrated as a one-week event, the program has expanded into a month-long celebration to give more communities and neighborhoods time to create, display, and enjoy local art that builds connection and community pride.

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month promotes creativity and public art created by everyday residents as a way to strengthen a community’s sense of place and help neighbors feel they belong where they live. 

Participants across Missouri are encouraged to create outdoor displays that neighbors and passersby can enjoy. Projects can include murals, painted rocks, window art, yard installations, collaborative neighborhood displays, barn quilts, and other creative pieces. The emphasis is not on professional artistry but on participation and neighborhood engagement.

“Public art doesn’t require formal training—it requires participation,” organizers say. Across Missouri, neighbors have used simple materials such as sidewalk chalk, poster board, recycled wood, stones, and repurposed household items to create art that sparks conversation and connection. 

The program has grown steadily since its launch. In 2024, 73 sites registered and more than 1,100 votes were cast for favorite displays. In 2025, 68 sites participated statewide, and winning artists received hand-blown glass awards. 

More importantly, the impact goes beyond the artwork itself. A survey of participants found that 72 percent reported an increased sense of belonging and love for their community after participating. 

Residents can participate individually or collaborate with neighbors to create a shared display. Once completed, artwork should be placed outdoors where neighbors can view it during June. The Extension team will promote participating sites online and invite the public to vote for their favorite pieces.

Organizers say the expansion to a full month will allow more communities to take part and will encourage neighborhoods to work together creatively.

“Art has a unique ability to bring people together,” said organizers with the MU Extension team. “When neighbors create something together, it becomes more than art—it becomes a shared experience that strengthens community.”

How to Participate

  1. Create an original art piece or neighborhood display.

  2. Place the artwork outdoors where neighbors can see it.

  3. Display it during the month of June.

  4. Register your project through MU Extension.

Registered participants will receive information about voting, social media promotion, and prize opportunities for top selections.

Learn More and Register

Residents can learn more and register their artwork at extension.missouri.edu.

Access the information brochure about Show Me Neighborhood Art week at this Google drive address.


WRITTEN BY

David L. Burton

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 email at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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