This summer marks the 10th year of Windows on Main Street, the annual public art exhibition in Beacon, where 35 local artists use creativity and collaboration in competition for prizes.
In celebration, this year’s exhibition — “WOMSX” — will take on a competitive flair. Artists have been challenged to create a unique piece of art inspired by and installed in a business storefront window along Beacon’s Main Street, competing for juried awards and prizes. Prizes include: $1,000 “Grand Prize” juried by the show’s founders; “Gallerist’s Pick” juried by five local gallerists; and “People’s Choice Award” juried by the public via live online voting. The installations will be judged on qualities such as originality, craftsmanship, composition and presentation, use of space, relevance, and collaboration.
The short story:
- WOMSX runs Aug. 9 through Sept. 13.
- Free to the public and viewable 24/7.
- Opening party from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Bank Square Coffeehouse, 129 Main St.
- Closing party and awards ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Quinn’s, 330 Main St.
- Bonus Round, an exhibition by the artists of WOMSX, will be on display at Bank Square, 129 Main St.
In 2005, Windows on Main Street began as a way to connect Beacon’s residents, businesses and artists. The original idea was to use art as a catalyst for economic growth and to create an open dialogue between all aspects of the community by asking artists to create a dynamic, site-specific installation in a commercial window.
This year, the exhibition features 35 artists installing in 34 windows. Maps will be available in the shops on Main, at beaconwindows.org, as well as at Beacon’s Visitor Center throughout the month.
