Show Me Neighborhood Art Month sees record participation

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, said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“Public art does much more than beautify neighborhoods,” said Burton. “When neighbors create something together or display artwork that invites people to stop, look and talk, they strengthen relationships and build a deeper sense of belonging. That’s what Show Me Neighborhood Art Month is really about.”

The event established new participation records in 2026, with 118 registered art sites across Missouri and 1,324 public votes cast on the art. In addition, 82% of participants reported that participating increased their sense of belonging and love for their community, Burton said.

“Those numbers represent significant growth over previous years and demonstrate the growing impact of neighborhood-based public art throughout the state,” he said.

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month traces its roots to LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots initiative started in Springfield in 2020 that demonstrated how neighborhood art could spark conversations, friendships and community pride.

2026 regional winners

Northeast: “50th Anniversary Commemorative Art Collage” by Amy Parris of Columbia.

Northwest: “Rosie the Riveter” by Ray Harvey of Concordia.

Southeast: “Patriotic Dinosaurs,” organized by Becky Trehy of Marble Hill.

Southwest: “Love Your Neighbor” by Janelle Patterson of Springfield.

Urban East: “Rock Flower Garden” by Amanda Lovell of Wentzville.

Urban West: “Fairy Garden” by Jenni Edwards of Lee’s Summit.

West Central: “Barrel of Monkeys” by Jim Cox in Sedalia.

East Central: “Artsy Alley” by Deaneal Mcafoos of Washington.

This year’s Judges’ Choice Awards were presented to Mark Walter of Excelsior Springs for “Please Remove Your Shoes” and Kristina Tilley of Goodman for “Wind Horse.”

The Youth Art Award went to 14-year-old Hector Garcia of Princeton for his collection of community murals.

The Best of Show Award went to the “Route 66 Sculptures,” a collaborative collection of works by various artists produced by Heidi Herman Bacon of Springfield.

The program, coordinated by MU Extension, invites communities of every size to participate. Organizers hope the growing interest in neighborhood art will continue inspiring communities to use creativity as a tool for building stronger neighborhoods throughout Missouri.

More information about Show Me Neighborhood Art Month, including a tour map for this year’s event.