By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The murals in downtown Great Bend and around Barton County are fun, but professional artists are expensive, and space is limited. Last year, Barton Arts Movement (BAM) pushed art back to the public with its first-ever Sidewalk Chalk Contest. Back by popular demand, BAM Co-Chair Rachel Mawhirter said this year's contest features several prizes up for grabs in three age groups.
"It went over very well, and we had tons of people request that we bring it back this year," she said. "We are launching a second sidewalk contest with the theme 'Think Spring' that will run from now through March 20. People of all ages are invited to enter photos into that contest on our website at bartonartsmovement.com."
Age groups are divided into 10 years and under, 11 to 17, and 18 and up. The other rules are just as simple: create art using sidewalk chalk, take a photo, and submit it to Barton Arts Movement. Artists get extra points if they are included in the photo, or by using the social media hashtag #BartonArtsMovement! Prizes will be awarded only to those living in Barton County, but artists from outside the county may also submit their work to be presented on the BAM website. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce donated $250 in chamber certificates for the overall grand prize winner.
"Last year, we were blown away at some of the entries we got," Mawhirter said. "They were phenomenal. We're hoping that while kids are off from school on Spring Break, it will give them something fun to look forward to and something fun to compete in, but also we'll share all the photos online. It's a positive way for people to, again, take pride in our community and create some colorful artwork."
Other prizes will be available in the three age groups. The goal of Barton Arts Movement is to create community pride through public art. CLICK HERE for a full list of rules or to submit your entry.