Creative community members are invited to enter “Rags to Art: A Fiber Art Show,” a competitive exhibition sponsored by Explore West Plains during Dolly & Porter Days “A Hometown Jubilee.” The festival is planned for Oct. 2 and 3 in downtown West Plains.
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” and the patchwork coats of Porter Wagoner’s bandmate Speck Rhodes, the show celebrates resourcefulness and making something special from what is available. The competition is open to artists high school age and older of all skill levels. Prizes include first, second, and third place, plus a People’s Choice Award.
Organizers are seeking family-friendly, original fiber art, including upcycled clothing, quilt blocks, wall hangings, and mixed-fiber works. Artists are encouraged to use repurposed items like textile scraps, old clothing, or leftover yarn rather than purchasing brand-new materials. Kits are not accepted.
Entries may measure up to 32 inches wide by 36 inches long and must be lightweight enough to hang on a clothesline. Hard-framed pieces will not be accepted. Because artwork will be displayed outdoors during the festival, artists should consider exposure to the elements; fragile work is discouraged.
Entries may be delivered between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 and Sept. 28 through 30 at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.
The entry fee is $5 per piece, with a limit of three entries per artist. Entry fees will be redistributed as prize money.
Each entry should have a securely attached tag, no larger than 3 by 5 inches, listing the title of the piece, materials used and a brief description or inspiration. The artist’s name may be included but is optional for those who prefer anonymity. Tags should be attached with string and a safety pin.
A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, use of materials, artistic elements and connection to the “Coat of Many Colors” theme.
Festivalgoers also will help select a People’s Choice Award winner during Dolly & Porter Days. Votes may be cast with nonperishable food items or monetary donations, with one vote counted for each food item or each dollar donated. All food and financial donations collected through People’s Choice voting will benefit the West Plains Schools Bridges Program.
Winners will be announced during the festival.
Artists retain ownership of their work and will receive information about picking up entries after the festival. Unclaimed pieces will be donated or responsibly recycled.
By entering, artists grant permission for their work to be photographed and used for promotional purposes. Reasonable care will be taken with all submissions, but organizers cannot be responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
For more information, see the event page “Rags to Art: A Fiber Art Show” on Facebook, contact Terry Hampton at terry.hampton@westplains.gov or call the welcome center at 417-256-8835.
