Farmington artists are being encouraged to enter a public art contest that pairs artists with local businesses. Selected works will be displayed in downtown Farmington storefronts with the chance to win one of two $250 cash prizes and be recognized on a county-wide level.

The 2019 Window on Main Street competition opened on Thursday, Jan. 31 and the deadline to enter has been extended to Friday, Feb. 22.

This year’s theme is Radio Hour. Entrants must be based in Farmington or attend Farmington Area Schools.

Those accepted will be paired with a downtown Farmington business where the artist will then create a window installation that showcases that business and relates to the Radio Hour theme. The artist, or team of artists, will receive a $100 stipend for supplies.

"The aim is to promote public art. We’re hoping to engage local students, artists, and makers to participate," says AJ Cooke, Chair of the Downtown Farmington DDA’s Public Art Committee.

The contest is part of a larger county-wide Window on Main Street competition from Main Street Oakland County. Three finalists will be chosen to compete in the county-wide contest to represent Farmington. The winner of that contest wins a $250 cash prize.

In addition to the Oakland County contest, Downtown Farmington is also sponsoring a local competition which awards a winner by popular vote via Facebook "likes." That winner will also receive a $250 cash prize.

"We’re partnering with local businesses to create a culture of public art for our residents," says Cooke.

"We’re hoping to engage local artists with their community and improve walkability downtown."

For contest rules and applications, visit Downtown Farmington online. Reminder: The deadline to apply is now Friday, Feb. 22.

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