edited by Nikola Tzenov
The Carroll County Arts Council will host the 19th annual PEEPshow from Friday, March 27, through Monday, April 6, at the TownMall of Westminster.
The event will feature more than 180 marshmallow-themed artworks created by local artists, businesses, organizations, families and individuals. Entries range from large three-dimensional sculptures to smaller two-dimensional works, including dioramas, mosaics and videos. Each piece is made from, or inspired by, PEEPS®, the marshmallow candy produced by Just Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania since 1953.
The PEEPshow, a signature event for the Carroll County Arts Council, draws more than 21,000 visitors annually during its 10-day run. Admission is free and open to the public.
The exhibit will include display space for the entries, photo stations, a gift shop and a children’s area. New this year is a Community Resource Garden, which will host more than 25 local nonprofit organizations sharing information and resources with visitors.
“What people love most is coming to vote for their favorites,” said Stephen Strosnider, executive director of the Carroll County Arts Council. “We invite everyone to come out, leave the noise outside and just enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun.”
Past PEEPshows have featured a wide range of creations, including an 8-foot dragon and characters such as the Swedish Chef from The Muppets, Goofy, Snoopy and Winnie-the-Pooh, as well as pop-culture scenes, historical figures and original works of art. Last year’s show included more than 23,000 PEEPS.
The top 10 entries receiving the most combined in-person and online votes will earn Audience Favorite awards, with the first-place entry receiving the Grand Prize. A separate award will be given to the video entry with the most votes, which will be counted online only. Arts Council staff will also select Artistic Excellence awards, while sponsors will present Sponsor’s Choice awards.
The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on the Carroll Arts Center Facebook page on Monday, April 7, at 11 a.m.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Just Born, the Carroll County Office of Tourism, the TownMall of Westminster, Community Media Center, the City of Westminster, Art Factory, Carroll County Public Library, Carroll Community College, Carroll County Times, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Gerstell Academy, Long Homes, North Carroll Community School and Sonya Francis and the Real Estate Matchmakers.
All proceeds benefit the Carroll County Arts Council and its efforts to support and promote the arts and artists in Carroll County.
Event hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, including Easter Sunday. The Carroll Arts Center will be closed during the event.
The TownMall of Westminster is located at 400 N. Center St. Visitors can view entries for free and purchase votes in person or online at MarshmallowPEEPshow.com.
For more information, call 410-848-7272 or visit CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.
