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University of Missouri Extension Announces Show Me Neighborhood Art Week
June 1-15 for Southwest Missouri and Across the State(March 2024) - The University of Missouri (MU) Extension announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This 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.
The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in Springfield, Missouri, in 2020. LAWN aims 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.
All Missourians are 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. The organizers of Show Me Neighborhood Art Week confirm that one goal of developing this whole week of neighborhood art was 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.
David Burton, MU Extension Community Development Specialist and Founder of Good Neighbor Week, is an organizer of this initiative.
"We live in a culture where we are always in a hurry and hide behind phones and garage doors, which causes us to avoid neighborly interaction and makes it difficult to love your neighbor if you do not see them," stated Burton.
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. That attachment boosts feelings of satisfaction and lifestyle fit and correlates with a more significant investment of time and resources in the community.
"There is a unique value to art created for the community, by the community, as a way to strengthen social bonds with neighbors through art," added Burton. “Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is intended to do just that.”
To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, all Missourians must register online at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/show-me-neighborhood-art-week and include the location of their art installation. All registered participants will be eligible for one of 12 total statewide prizes recognizing the best art installations, including one "Best in Show," eight "Outstanding Regional Awards," and three "People's Choice Awards" determined by social media voting. Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week will kick off with an online celebration, including the unveiling of one piece of artwork created by a Missouri artist. Registered sites will receive a yard
sign designating them as an official Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week stop. The University of Missouri Extension website at http://extension.missouri.edu will post a spreadsheet of art locations for viewing.
The registration deadline for participation in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24.
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