City Of Oak Creek Launches Community Canvases Art Initiative

Press release from the City of Oak Creek:

March 1, 2022

City Launches Community Canvases Art Initiative

In 2021, the City of Oak Creek has embarked on a public art planning process to outline a vision and goals for a public art program in our community. Staff is currently defining procedures for decision-making and oversight, and will be identifying key opportunities for projects and initiatives. Residents provided valuable insight and feedback about a community art program through a questionnaire distributed at the end of the year.

Building on the energy of these initial and critical steps, the City is now excited to launch a participatory community art project – the Art OC Community Canvases initiative! The Art OC Community Canvases is a project and contest for artists of all ages and abilities!

What kind of artwork should I create?

Create a work of art in any medium, inspired by something you love about Oak Creek – from the past, in the present, or what you envision for the future. This can be anything from your favorite park, school, trail, neighborhood business, location or even your own backyard! We want to see what Oak Creek means to you! All of the artwork submitted will be combined to form a community mosaic exhibited in the foyer of the Oak Creek Civic Center.

How do I participate?

Each participant will create an original work of art on a 10” x 10” canvas (participants 13 or older) or on a 10” x 10” matboard (participants 12 and younger). Supplies can be picked up beginning March 1 at any City Hall or Library service desk. Completed works of art must be returned by May 31 by 4:00 p.m. to be included in the community mosaic and contest judging.

Artwork will be judged by a selected committee of City of Oak Creek employees. Artwork will be judged on originality, creativity, quality and relevance to the topic.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners, and their artwork will be featured in a prominent location within the city and may appear in a future print publication. All other entries will be entered into a random drawing for prizes. Winners will be notified by June 17.

Where can I see the completed canvases?

The Community Canvases mosaic will be on display in the Oak Creek Civic Center Multi-Purpose room on Wednesday, June 29 beginning at 4 p.m., coinciding with the City’s first Food Truck Tour and Outdoor Movie night of the season.

We invite all community members to think about what you love best about Oak Creek, and then channel their inner artists to create a unique work of art for this exciting collaborative art initiative!

For complete details including submission guidelines and contest rules, please visit ocwi.org/PublicArt

This press release was produced by the City of Oak Creek. The views expressed here are the author’s own.