UPDATE: Deadline to apply extended! We're still looking for artists to participate in the Holiday Windows Contest! We've gotten a great response, but there are so many merchants interested in participating that we want to extend the deadline to try to accommodate everyone. Please spread the word, and contact us if you have any questions. Dates may be flexible for creating the window scene (depending on merchant availability) if that is an issue.

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We're excited to to bring back the Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest this season! Calling all artists and aspiring window dressers – almost 40 Myrtle businesses need you! Who says holiday windows are only for fancy Manhattan department stores? Myrtle Avenue will show 'em how to do it Fort Greene and Clinton Hill style!

Were inviting local artists to use storefront windows along Myrtle Avenue as a canvas for festive holiday art, and to compete for some great prizes at the same time! The goal of the project is to bring contemporary art and holiday cheer to the Myrtle Avenue streetscape while helping to promote both local businesses and artists. Artists or small teams of artists will be paired with local merchants to create a festive holiday window design in a portion of the storefront window.

Visit our blog from last year to view the 2008 winning windows. (First place went to Zaytoons, pictured here.)
Visit our Flickr site for photos of all the 2008 holiday windows all the 2008 holiday windows.

Here's everything you need to know:
” The materials used to create the holiday window scene may include paint, lights, paper, or any other material agreed upon between the artist and the merchant. Be creative!
” If paint is used, it must be temporary and easily removable (all products applied to the windows must be removable and must not damage the glass in any way). Painting will take place on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.
” The Partnership will supply a $50 stipend per storefront window to cover supplies and services.
” If selected, artists must commit to painting their assigned window between
Thursday November 12th and Monday November 23rd (*note: this is a new date). This time can be determined during discussions with the merchant partner.
” At least one, in-person meeting to discuss preliminary ideas with the merchant is required. The merchants are very excited about this project, and looking forward to working with a local artist. Some of the most popular designs in 2008 creatively incorporated the business theme somehow. This is not required, just an idea to provide some inspiration!
” Holiday windows will be on display through the end of December and all visitors and shoppers will be able to vote via text message for their favorite storefront design until Sunday, December 13th (winners will be announced shortly afterward).
” The top three designs will be awarded Myrtle Avenue gift certificates valued at $250 (first place), $100 (second place) and $50 (third place).

How to apply to become a Myrtle Holiday Windows ARTIST:

Please send the following to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org by Wednesday, November 4th:
1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information
2. Select up to three Myrtle Avenue businesses that you would like to work with from the list below(or you can let us pair you with a Myrtle merchant if you dont have a preference).
3. Very briefly, tell us about your proposed design ideas for the storefront window.
4. A very simple sketch, photo or other imagery that represents your idea would be very helpful.
5. Photos or links to a few examples of your past work.

Heres a list of businesses who would like to participate. Choose your top 3.

Anima, Restaurant – Italian, 458 Myrtle
burzh-wa, Beauty Salon, 507 Myrtle
Castro's, Restaurant – Mexican, 511 Myrtle
Cleopatra Spa, Beauty Salon, 378 Myrtle
Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, Pet Services, 476 Myrtle
Duncan's Fish Market, 385 Myrtle
El Cofre, Restaurant – Spanish, 353 Myrtle
Falafel House, Restaurant – Middle Eastern, 407 Myrtle
Fantastic Cleaners, Dry Cleaners, 510 Myrtle
Farmer, Deli, 336 Myrtle
Five Spot Supper Club, Restaurant & Bar, 459 Myrtle
Fort Greene SNAP, Neighborhood Services, 329 Myrtle
Green Pets, Pet Services, 572 Myrtle
Joseph Tyler Salon, Beauty Salon, 456 Myrtle
Kappella's, Beauty Salon, 417 Myrtle
Karen's Body Beautiful, Health & Beauty, 436 Myrtle
Karrot, Health Food, 431 Myrtle
La Stalla, Restaurant – Italian/Mexican, 499 Myrtle
Maggie Brown, Bar & Restaurant, 455 Myrtle
Miracles, Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle
Move With Grace, Yoga and Dance, 469 Myrtle
New Grace Kitchen, Restaurant – Chinese, 484 Myrtle
Optimum Care Rehab, Occupational Therapy, 474 Myrtle
Pillow Caf