How Paint the Town Works

Participants can register to paint a masterpiece alone or with a friend. For a modest registration fee (local and regional sponsors help keep the cost affordable for all), participants receive an assigned 5 foot by 5 foot square on the street, and an event bag containing all the supplies needed to paint: a primary color water based tempera paint set plus black and white, one narrow brush for lining and one wide brush for filling, chalk for sketching, cups, stirrers and instructions for mixing colors, a logo T-shirt (a new logo is developed each year), and giveaway goodies from sponsors. Pre-registration is advised with a deadline approximately two days before the event. Registrations at a slightly higher fee are accepted the day of the event as "walk-on's". All registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Painting begins at Noon and continues until the artists finish their work, usually by 6 PM. It is not unusual, however, to find a few still working after 6 PM. Participants paint their squares with an enthusiasm and intensity that can be seen in their faces and the art that they create. 

Preparation

During the week prior and during the event professional and student artists are invited to paint business windows on Main Street. The creative process is watched by residents and participants with anticipation. The finished pieces are a mix of the old masters, contemporary art and original creations. Artists are arranged by invitation, however, any interested individual may contact CAPA for information about participating in the window painting portion of the event.

Food and Entertainment

Several entertainment venues and a food court, located in the center of the event provides the perfect accompaniment to the painting. Entertainment spans the day from 12 Noon to 10 PM with music chosen to support the visual arts activities. Street entertainers roam through the crowd bringing mime, magic, music and theater within feet of painters. Both professional and amateur musicians perform and a wide variety of music styles and rhythms are featured to encourage an appreciation for the diversity of the arts. People continue to stroll the street into the evening viewing the newly created art.

Viewing the Art

The next day the streets remain blocked to vehicular traffic to allow art lovers to safely stroll the street and view the finished art.

Paint the Town has attracted a growing audience of four to five thousand visitors annually who come to paint and view the art. Community, friends, family and visitors enjoy this unique outdoor gallery for months as they stroll the street until the art fades leaving the canvas ready for next year.

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Don't forget to stop by and thank our great sponsors:

Exelon
Fitzgerald Pharmacy
CGH Medical Center
Wells Fargo Bank
Sterling Gazette
Clinton Herald
City of Morrison