ART-chitecture Contest winning entries on display

CoMo Preservation appreciates all the local artists who entered their work into the ART-chitecture Contest - an art contest inviting the community to create art with a focus on Columbia’s historic architecture. We are grateful for the support and help from the Columbia Art League for providing the drop off site and a judge to review and jury the entries and for gift cerficates for the winners from the Columbia Art League, Access Arts, and The District! We also want to express our thanks to the Office of Cultural Affairs for their financial support of this project! Columbia Public Schools ‘Partner in Education’ was a great help in connecting students with the ART-chitecture Contest! In addition, we really appreciate Dan Killebrew for leading the Urban Sketch Tours and Dan Killebrew and Matt Fetterly for providing such an engaging tour experience for students from the Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School. We would love to expand the urban sketch tours into other elementary schools! Please contact us if you are interested!

The winning entries were exhibited for the first time at the Tiger Hotel on May 19 during Cake & Cocktails, CoMo Preservation’s celebration of National Historic Preservation Month. In June they were on exhibit at Talking Horse Productions.

If you did not get to see the winning entries, please be sure to stop in at one of the following venues to see them.

In July they will be on display in the hallway of City Hall, in August at Serendipity Polish Pottery and Art Gallery, in September at Orr Street Studios, in October at the State Historical Society of Missouri, and in November in the window of The District office.

Next year, you could participate in CoMo Preservation’s ART-chitecture Contest - you can sign up for a sketch tour or just find our list of historic buildings for inspiration and submit your artwork in April 2027. Please note there is no entry fee and there are prizes for winning entries.

Find more information about the ART-chitecture Contest on our website at https://www.comopreservation.org/art-chitecturecontest

Check out all of the 2026 winning entries at https://www.comopreservation.org/2026-artchitecture-contest and all of the 2025 winning entries at https://www.comopreservation.org/2025-artchitecture-contest‍ ‍

Photo courtesy of a CoMo Preservation volunteer.

We want to express our thanks to the Office of Cultural Affairs for their financial support of this project!

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by becoming a member, volunteering, signing up for our newsletterattending an event, ordonating.

Questions? Suggestions for speakers or events? Email CoMoPreservation@gmail.com