OZARKS

Winners announced in Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week, a new statewide public art exhibit

Linda Leicht
Special to the News-Leader
This mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main St. in Union won Best in Show in Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week.

University of Missouri Extension has announced the 2024 award winners in a new statewide public art exhibit called Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week, June 1-15. 

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 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. 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. 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. Residents of the area continue to contribute painted rocks and keep Susie growing.

Southern Region: Donovan Maldonado painted a fancy woman’s face mural on Stanford Street in Springfield. Maldonado displayed the mural in his front yard for his neighbors to enjoy.

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.

Urban Region Award: "Sweet Gum Gardener" scarecrow at 13515 Ladue Farm Road by Dale Naas, St. Louis. The artwork incorporated sweet gum balls.

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" include:

  • “Yarn Bomb” by the residents of James Place Apartments at 2420 W. Grand St., Springfield;
  • “Stained Glass,” by Jennifer Kusak, McClernon Street, Springfield;
  • “Barn Quilt Collection” by the neighbors of Stoney Creek Estates, Kentwood Street, Republic;
  • “Spilling Coffee” by Luis Cortes at Belcrest Avenue, Springfield.

“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. “Our hope is that by giving awards, we recognize quality work and provide an incentive for others to participate next year.”

Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week was inspired by LAWN — Lawn Art With Neighbors, a grassroots program launched in Springfield in 2020. 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. Recycle and reuse is a theme of this public art exhibit.

Learn more at extension.missouri.edu/programs/community-arts-program/show-me-neighborhood-art-week.