The four winning entries from the Hannibal Arts Council’s ART IN THE OPEN billboard art contest aren’t just appearing on digital billboards around Hannibal in June – they have been transformed into banners that will hang all summer at the Ronny Ferrel Hannibal Aquatic Center. Two sets of banners enhance both sides of the fencing surround the community pool. Visitors to the pool and those passing by will get to enjoy the colorful display of local talent. The Hannibal Arts Council, Hannibal Parks & Recreation and Golden Eagle Distributing have teamed up for this vibrant and creative summer project – to make a SPLASH!
Winning images featured in the new SPLASH! project in the Youth Division are “Blue Jay” watercolor by Annalise Allen and “Under the Sea” mixed media by Lilly Marshall, both of Hannibal. Adult Division winning images featured are “Retro Chique” acrylic painting by Kachina Hudson of New London MO and “Sunflower Bliss” photograph by Timothy Spencer of Quincy IL.
SPLASH! is an added project of the ART IN THE OPEN billboard art contest. For the 2025 contest 142 entries were submitted, including 47 in the Youth Division and 95 in the Adult Division. A selection committee chose the six finalists in each division and then opened voting through a Facebook Contest for the public to determine both the Adult and Youth Division winners. Over 1100 votes were cast in the contests.
In addition to being featured with SPLASH! banners, winners have their work featured on Robinson Outdoor digital billboards at Broadway & Maple Avenue and Stardust Drive during the month of June.
