Masterpiece in a Day Returns with New Features in 2010

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18
Where: Murphy Art Center, 1043 Virginia Ave.
Info: (317) 450-6630; www.bigcar.org
Cost: Free for participants and visitors

The long-running free art and writing contest Masterpiece in a Day, operated by the nonprofit arts organization Big Car and supported by Southeast Neighborhood Development, the Fountain Square Merchants Association and Second Story, returns to Fountain Square on Sept. 18.

This year, the contest is again part of a big day in the neighborhood that includes the Fountain Square Art Fair and live entertainment presented by the Fountain Square Merchants Association. A new feature for Masterpiece’s 16th year is an art parade throughout the neighborhood presented by the Fountain Square Arts Council. The parade starts after the artists’ and writers’ work is turned in at 4 p.m. for judging. A parade-entry category has been added to the competition. Also new this year is a youth writing contest organized by Second Story, a nonprofit literary organization based in Fountain Square.

The art and writing contests begin at 9 a.m. with day-of registration ending at 11 a.m. Completed artwork and typed copies of writing are due for judging at 3:30 p.m. Winners from both contests will be announced at about 5 p.m. All work must be completed in the Fountain Square neighborhood during contest hours. And people can only enter one competition.

Prizes in this year’s art competition go to five winners as chosen by a panel of judges. Best of show gets $1,500 and four others will receive $500. In the Second Story writing contest for adults, the first-place winner receives $500, second $200 and third $100. Young writers will receive gift certificates and prizes for participating. Winning artwork and writing will also be displayed in the Murphy Art Center during the October First Friday.

This year's art judges include Jason Myers of ARTBOX Gallery, Paula Katz of Herron Gallery and Jeremy Efroymson of the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. Second Story board members and teaching artists will judge the writing contests.