The Town of Essex has called on residents to create a colourful mural reflecting the community's rural culture.
The Town's 2026 Barn Quilt Design Contest opened last week.
Aspiring artists will compete for the chance to design an original barn quilt pattern, with the winner receiving the supplies needed to make it happen.
Once the winning barn quilt is installed, it will be added to the Town's online Barn Quilt Trail.
"This contest gives residents the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on our community while helping to grow a unique attraction that tells the story of our agricultural roots," said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.
To participate, artists must be 18 or older and live in Essex. Entries must be original designs intended to be installed on agricultural lands that don't already have a barn quilt.
The entry page is available online or by hard copy. Participants can then sketch and colour their design by hand or digitally using the template, before submitting it to the Town online, by email, or in person.
Paper pages are ready for pick-up at Essex Town Hall, the Gesto Office Planning Department, Essex Recreation Complex, Maedel Community Centre, Essex Centre Sports Complex, Harrow & Colchester South Community Centre, and the Essex, Harrow, and McGregor branches of the Essex Public Library.
The deadline is Friday, August 14.
