News : NEA “Big Read” Art Contest starts October 1st

One of the many free activities that will take place this year, as part of Vinton’s “Big Read” initiative, will be a Community Art Contest to take place October 1 – December 1, 2025. Vinton’s “Big Read” is a community collaboration focused on the book “Bewilderment” by Richard Powers, under which a variety of arts, conservation, astronomy, and literary events and programs are being offered related to the themes of the book. Vinton’s Big Read is sponsored by the Vinton Public Library, Benton County Conservation, the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts (VGFA), and the Vinton Palace Theatre, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, the Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation, and Friends of the Vinton Public Library. Stop in and pick up your FREE book at the Library or other locations in Vinton.

Starting October 1st, VGFA invites submissions of original artwork related to the themes in Bewilderment from artists at all levels. Cash prizes ($ 50-$ 200!) and gift baskets will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as the winner of a Popular Vote of visitors to the display at the library. Requirements are that the artwork be “2D” so it can be displayed on an easel (framing preferred), and no larger in size than 3 x 3 feet. Artists must be ages 14 or older, and may submit multiple times but win only once! All submissions will be on display at the Library from January 7 – 17, 2026, when the community will be invited to stop in, view the art, and vote on their favorite item. Winners' artwork will then be displayed downtown at Pourville Art Studio & Gallery from January 20-30, 2026.

To see full requirements and obtain a submission form and instructions, visit the Vinton Public Library and/or their website at www.vinton.lib.ia.us. Information is also available at vintonart.com. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.