Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center will kick off a new season full of fun and creativity in September with a fresh set of banners for the Downtown Turlock light poles. The Carnegie is seeking artwork created by youth ages 4-18 on the theme of “Our Valley” – highlighting agriculture in the Central Valley. It might show food or animals raised in our region, the people who work and live on farms, dairies, and ranches, or the landscape with orchards, fields, and barns around the area.
“The Downtown banners have been such a hit for three years now, we decided to offer this fun opportunity again. We chose to highlight our valley’s agriculture because it connects us with our historical roots and will be a perfect display during this September’s Melon Carnival,” said Carnegie Director Lisa McDermott.
A committee will select at least 12 winners whose artwork will be printed on two or more street banners that will be displayed on light poles throughout Downtown Turlock this fall. Artwork will be judged for creativity, response to the theme, and technique or skill (relative to age). The banner contest is sponsored this year by F&M Bank, The Greenery, and Robic Refrigeration.
“Your designs can be realistic or abstract, and made with any drawing or painting medium. Remember, it should be colorful and bold enough to get attention from people walking and driving through Downtown,” said McDermott.
Artwork must be in a vertical format on paper that is 14 by 8 1/2 inches (legal size). The Carnegie will supply paper to any young artist who needs the correct size. Just come by the arts center and ask.
Download an entry form off the CAC website or pick one up in person at the CAC. (https://carnegieartsturlock.org/discover/opportunities/young-artists/) Artists must deliver their original artwork with a completed entry form to the CAC at 250 N. Broadway in Turlock. Entries should be dropped off between May 28 and June 29, during CAC business hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday.
“All of the original entries for the banner contest will be kept and included in the annual Ready, Set, Show! Youth Art Exhibition in June 2025. We want to share with everyone all the creative ideas and images that were submitted,” said McDermott.
For more information, call the CAC (209) 632-5761, x104
