What can you do with an old hat that’s been sitting in the back of your closet for way too long? The Lakes Area Arts Council would like you to dream up something interesting and transform that hat into a contemporary work of art as an entry in this year’s Artzy Hat Prize Competition.
Last year the competition exhibited some cool artsy shoes – this year it’s all about hats. Both individuals and businesses are encouraged to submit their unique hat artwork while making an artistic statement about who they are in the process.
To begin, pick an actual hat. It could be a beret, baseball cap, feathered fascinator hat, derby hat, top hat, cowboy hat or other type. Before you begin, pick a theme that matches your personality, your family’s interests, or your business’s services. Then decorate it any way you choose, using found objects, organic materials (even mud), various papers, paints and any artistic medium. Themes might include music, dance, theater, visual arts, literary arts or something different.
“If a family is into bicycles, they could integrate that theme into it,” suggests Linda Dyball, VP of LAAC. “They can pick anything to be creative and build an interest in the arts for themselves. If a child only eats Cheerios in the morning, wouldn’t it be fun to create a Cheerios hat and jazz it up?”
Finished hats can be submitted to the Fenton Community & Cultural Center from 2 to 5pm on July 10. An artist reception and prize presentation will begin at 7pm that evening. A judge will review the hat submissions and choose a winner from several age groups.
After the Fenton Art Walk, the FCCC will host a week-long exhibit of the winning hat plus artwork from the artists and merchants. LAAC President Joan Horcha and member Denise Willing Booher have also been working on the plans for this year’s competition.
“It’s providing the community an opportunity to create awareness for the arts,” Linda says. “This year it’s hats. Who knows what it’ll be next year!”
The Call for Artists flyer is a here.
