🎨 PAINT OUR MITTEN

The Dirty Mitten Community Mural Contest

Downtown West Branch, Michigan

We’re looking for an artist to create West Branch’s next must-stop photo op!

The Dirty Mitten has received a $2,000 grant to bring a mural to the side of our downtown building. Rather than simply choosing an artist, we want to invite our community and Michigan artists to help us create something special.

We’re looking for a mural that celebrates West Branch, Northern Michigan, and the Up North experience while giving visitors a reason to stop, take a picture, and share it.

💰 THE PRIZE

The winning artist will receive $2,000 to create the mural.

The artist will work with The Dirty Mitten to finalize the design and coordinate the painting process.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Think fun. Michigan. Up North. West Branch. Photo-worthy.

Your concept should ideally:

• Celebrate West Branch and/or Northern Michigan
• Have a strong Michigan or Up North connection
• Be visually appealing and recognizable from the street
• Include an element that encourages people to stand in front of it and take a photo
• Be something visitors would want to photograph and share on social media
• Feel welcoming, memorable, and fun
• Work well on a large exterior building wall

📸 THINK PHOTO OP!

We don't just want a beautiful mural.

We want someone to see it and think:

“WAIT... I NEED A PICTURE HERE!”

Consider incorporating interactive elements, clever sayings, Michigan imagery, oversized objects, a place to stand or pose, or anything else that makes the mural fun to photograph.

THE WALL

Location: The Dirty Mitten Store
300 W. Houghton Ave.
West Branch, Michigan 48661

The mural will be painted on the exterior side wall of our downtown building.

Approximate wall size: 20'x40' Mural does not have to cover entire wall.

Final measurements and wall specifications will be provided to finalists/selected artist.

WHO CAN ENTER?

We welcome:

• Professional artists
• Muralists
• Local artists
• Michigan artists
• Emerging artists
• Creative people who have never painted a mural before

You do NOT have to be a professional muralist to enter.

We're looking for a great idea and the ability to bring that idea to life.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Keep it simple! We are not expecting a finished mural rendering.

Please submit:

1. YOUR MURAL CONCEPT

A sketch, drawing, painting, digital rendering, or other visual representation of your idea.

2. A SHORT DESCRIPTION

Tell us in a few sentences:

What is your idea?
How does it connect to West Branch/Northern Michigan?
What makes it a great photo opportunity?

3. ABOUT YOU

Your name, contact information, and a brief description of your artistic background.

4. PREVIOUS WORK

If you have examples of your artwork, murals, illustrations, paintings, or other relevant work, please include photos or links.

Don't have previous mural work? That's okay! Submit what you have.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

The winning design must be:

• Appropriate for a public downtown location
• Original artwork
• Suitable for an exterior mural
• Feasible to paint within the project budget and timeline
• Approved by The Dirty Mitten and subject to any applicable grant requirements

The selected artist will work with The Dirty Mitten to finalize the design before painting begins.

HOW THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN

After submissions close, The Dirty Mitten will select 3–5 finalists.

Finalist concepts will be shared with the community for public voting.

The final selection will be based on:

50% Community Vote
50% Selection Committee

We want our community to have a voice while also making sure the winning concept is practical, visually impactful, and appropriate for the space.

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission Deadline: September 14, 2026

Finalists Announced: September 18, 2026

Community Voting: September 18-25, 2026

Winner Announced: September 29, 2026

Mural Installation: TBD

READY TO PAINT OUR MITTEN?

Submit your concept to:

The Dirty Mitten Store
300 W. Houghton Ave.
West Branch, MI 48661

Email: thedirtymittenstore@gmail.com

Questions? Contact: Ann Butler 989-312-5387

HAVE FUN WITH IT!

We're looking for something that makes people smile, makes people stop, and makes people want to say:

“I GOT MY PICTURE AT THE DIRTY MITTEN!”

#PaintOurMitten
#WestBranchMichigan
#TheDirtyMitten

Submission does not guarantee selection or payment, and that the $2,000 is awarded to the selected artist upon agreement to the project terms.