See our video announcement on YouTube  which includes pictures of the winners. University of Missouri Extension has announced the winners of the 2026 Show Me Neighborhood Art Month, celebrating a record-breaking year that brought together artists, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities across Missouri. Now in its third year, Show Me Neighborhood Art Month encourages residents of all ages and artistic abilities to create and display artwork that strengthens community pride, enhances public spaces, and helps neighbors feel more connected to the places they call home. The program's vision is simple: promote creative expression and public art created by residents as a way to build a stronger sense of place and belonging. The 2026 event established new participation records with 118 registered art sites across Missouri and 1,324 public votes cast on the art. In addition, 82 percent of participants reported that participating increased their sense of belonging and love for their comm...

  Show-Me Neighborhood Art Month is officially underway across Missouri, and once again neighbors are using creativity to build connection, spark conversations, and turn ordinary spaces into places of belonging. This statewide project invites residents to create and display neighborhood art in front yards, businesses, parks, and public gathering places throughout the month. The result is not simply an art show. It becomes a reason for neighbors to slow down, walk around, talk to one another, and experience community in a different way. You can learn more about the project, register artwork, explore the statewide map, and vote for your favorite displays through the Show-Me Neighborhood Art Month website . Throughout the month, I will be highlighting different entries from around the state that capture the spirit of neighboring and community. This week’s featured display is titled Love Your Neighbor , created by local artist Janelle Patterson  and displayed at 3260 E. Seneca in ...

  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. Visit the website and tour the registered art displays "virtually," or see the art in the online survey where you can vote on your favorites. EXPANDED PROGRAM 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...

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 vot...

Public art is more than just decoration. It’s a powerful way to bring people together, share stories, and create a sense of pride in where we live. Whether it’s a colorful mural on the side of a building, a sculpture in a park, or a painted bench at a bus stop, public art can change how we feel about a place—and about each other. When we see art in our neighborhoods, it shows that someone cares. Art tells us that the space is for everyone. It invites us to stop, look, and maybe even smile. A blank wall might go unnoticed, but a bright mural can grab your attention and make a walk through town more exciting. Art makes a place feel alive. Public art can also help us feel like we belong. When artists include images from our community—like local animals, landmarks, or people—we feel seen and valued. Art can tell the story of who we are. It can honor history, celebrate culture, or bring attention to something important. Seeing those stories out in the open reminds us that we’re part of some...