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The Dirt

The Davis Downtown Business Association Invites You! Join the Communal Art Project

Update: Winners are Live!

The Davis Downtown Business Association (DDBA) is calling for artists of all ages to create something special in support of Davis.

The DDBA-launched Communal Art Project will memorialize our community’s resilience during these unparalleled times. Anyone with a love for our town is encouraged to participate, whether residing locally, or missing us from abroad. Participants have a chance to win prizes, have their work printed on promotional material, or even painted as a mural.

The DDBA is CALLING FOR ARTISTS of all ages to participate in this community-wide art project that is focused on how we have all been coping with shelter-in-place, social distancing as well as the stressors of current events. The focus is on how individuals, families and the entire community will emerge ready to embrace and create a more beautiful tomorrow.

Artists of all levels and ages are invited to participate and can start creating immediately.

How to Participate:

Submissions can be made at www.davisdowntown.com/cap

Submission Categories:

KIDS (sub-categorized by age)

• Ages 6-8 (drawings/paintings only)

• Ages 9-11 (drawings/paintings only)

• Ages 12-14 (drawings/paintings only)

ADULTS (15 >)

• Drawings/Paintings

• Photography

• Graphic Art

FAMILY ART (collaborative pieces)

Some initial ideas to inspire artists: Biking, walking pets, teddy bears in windows, masks, isolation, gardening/yardwork, household projects, family dynamics, friendship, fear, humor, strength, food delivery or take-out, social/physical distancing, online meetings, loungewear, creative and fun ways to relieve stress and stay sane, etc.

Deadline: extended to Friday, June 19th. Only one submission per participant. 

Please submit a crisp, clear photo or scan of your artwork (or submit graphic art) in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.

All submissions will be uploaded to a digital gallery on the Communal Art Project’s Facebook page. This will give everyone an opportunity to view the artwork, as well as comment, like and share. The Facebook page will go live on Monday, June 22nd. On Sunday, June 28th the DDBA will take a snapshot all of the artwork and tally the likes for each entry.

Chances to win:

People’s Choice (7 winning entries): There will be prizes (gift cards) for pieces of art that receive the most likes in each submission category.

Committee’s Choice (6 winning entries): In addition to Facebook public voting, the DDBA Communal Art Project committee will choose six additional winning entries for “Committee’s Choice” awards. These participants will receive prizes (gift cards) too.

But that’s not all! Some artists will have their art published as postcards and stickers to be sold at many downtown Davis businesses. Profits will directly benefit businesses at a time when community support is vital.

But that’s not all either! The DDBA is considering having 1 or more pieces of art made into murals to beautify downtown Davis.

Spread the word by letting your family and friends know that you’re participating in the Communal Art Project. As soon as the gallery goes live on June 22nd, send them to the Davis Downtown Communal Art Project Facebook Page. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook @DavisDowntown to be kept up-to-date on important announcements.

If you haven’t already, check out our promotional “Call for Artists” YouTube video!


Aaron Wedra is Marketing Coordinator for Davis Downtown. Thank you to the Davis Downtown Business Association for being a supporter of The Dirt.

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