Organized by the MSV, Free Coloring Contest Runs Through December 28
Winchester, VA 12/21/17…The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) and First Night Winchester invite artists of all ages to participate in the 2018 First Night Winchester Coloring Contest. Organized by the MSV, the free contest runs through December 28.
Drawn by Shenandoah Valley artist John Burns, this year’s coloring contest picture celebrates the Virginia Watercolor Society 38th Annual Exhibition. On view in the MSV Changing Exhibitions Gallery through January 7, 2018, the exhibition presents nearly 80 works by Virginia’s best watercolor artists.
One lucky participant from each age group competing in the coloring contest—child (7 and under), youth (8–12), teen (13–17), and adult (18+)—will win a one-year family Membership to the MSV ($75 value), a family four-pack of buttons to First Night Winchester ($40 value), a package of McDonald’s® gift cards, and two tickets for a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester, including free popcorn at the theater. Contest winners will be contacted on December 29. The four winning entries will be on display in the MSV lobby on December 31.
According to MSV Community Programs Manager Autumn Gray, this is the seven
th year that the MSV has sponsored the coloring contest and served as a daytime entertainment venue for the First Night Winchester celebration.
On New Year’s Eve, the MSV will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. offering free admission to the MSV galleries to all wearing a First Night Winchester 2018 button, ages 12 and under, and MSV Members. For all others, regular admission rates apply ($10; $8 senior/ages 13–18).
Visitors may take part in a party hat-making craft from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy face painting by Glitterbugz from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and see performances by the Spoon Man at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Along with offering family-oriented First Night activities, New Year’s Eve at the MSV is also significant as December 31 is the final opportunity for visitors to tour the Museum’s Glen Burnie House and gardens before they close for the winter season.
First Night Winchester buttons are now available for purchase in the Museum Store for $10. In observance of the Christmas holiday, the MSV will not be open December 24 through 26.
Those interested in participating in the coloring contest may pick up free coloring sheets at the MSV Guest Services Desk. Coloring sheets may also be downloaded from the MSV website. To be eligible to win a prize in the contest, participants must bring (or mail) completed coloring sheets to the MSV by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017.
A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia. The MSV includes galleries, the Glen Burnie House, and seven acres of gardens. The galleries and exhibitions are open year-round; the house and gardens are open April through December. Admission is $10 or $8 for seniors and youth ages 13 to 18. General admission is always free to youth ages 12 and under and to MSV Members. Thanks to sponsor Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc., admission is free to all every Wednesday. Additional details are available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235. –END–
About First Night Winchester:
Founded in 1986, First Night Winchester is an alcohol-free New Year’s celebration of the arts in Old Town Winchester that features dozens of entertainers. The mission of First Night Winchester, Inc. is to bring friends and families together to unite our community in all its diversity through the visual and performing arts. More information about First Night Winchester is available online at www.firstnightwinchester.com.