Freewater Square Mural Competition Completed 2021
Freewater Square winning murals were installed during the months of May and June of 2021. Stop by Freewater Square to see them, take a picture by your favorite mural and send it to mfda.director@gmail.com to be posted on the MFDA Facebook page @MFDowntown.
Congratulations to the winning artists Steve Nilson, Heidi Thomas, Sarah Villeneuva and Hailey Bradshaw


The Project
The Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance is seeking artists to design four wall murals to be installed on North Main Street at the ‘Freewater Square’ activity plaza.
-
This opportunity is open to all artists living in Umatilla, Union and Columbia and Walla Walla Counties
-
Participants may enter the contest solo or may form a team of 2-3 members
-
Teams can include school groups, clubs and organizations etc. - Team leaders must be 18years or older
-
All submissions will be considered, no age limits (other than team leaders) and no entry fees
-
Entries are restricted to one mural design per participant/team
Mural Style & Theme
Artistic style is “Graphic,” please see examples on our flier. The theme is artists choice. Art must be positive, colorful, fun, and engaging a suitable for a community gathering space.
Mural Specifications
-
The dimensions of each mural are 15 ft X 15 ft
-
Medium: Acrylic latex paint
-
Originality: The artwork must be an original work. It should be wholly conceptualized and executed by the participant (s). Entries that are copies of existing works in terms of composition will be automatically disqualified.
-
Obscene and offensive entries will also be automatically disqualified
-
Participants names must not appear on the designs.
Awards
Finalists will receive a cash award of $500 per participant/team
Competition Timeline
-
Entry Due Date: March 31, 2021
-
Judging: April 1-7, 2021
-
Finalist Notification: April 9, 2021
-
Mural Installation: April 16-30, 2021(as COVID-19 restrictions & weather permits)
-
Official uncovering of Murals, Signing and Reception: May 8, 2021(as COVID-19 restrictions & weather permits)
Competition Rules and Guidelines
-
Finalists will be required to paint the selected mural during the two-week period of April 16-30, 2021
-
Murals must be finished by April 30, 2021
-
Only the approved design will be executed
-
Scaffolding, paint, and other materials will be provided. Artists can bring their own painting tools if preferred.
-
Finalists are responsible for paying for board, lodging and transportation when necessary
-
Should the mural installation be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. inclement weather) it will be rescheduled. Any other adjustments in schedule will be decided by the MFDA and appropriately conveyed to all participants.
-
Finalists will be required to attend the uncovering ceremony and reception on May 8, 2021
-
Failure to comply with competition rules and guidelines will automatically disqualify the participants
-
By submitting the completed and signed entry form provided the participant agrees to abide by the rules and guidelines as outlined.
How to Submit
On-line: www.mfdowntown.org
By Email: mfda.director@gmail.com
By Mail: P O Box 21, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
By Person: MFDA Office 109 N.E. 5th Avenue, Milton-Freewater (Please call the number below before delivering)
Questions: Call 541-861-1208