SAN MARCOS, TEXAS -- The San Marcos Art League (SMAL) is pleased to bring Art Scared back to the downtown Square for the fifth year in a row on Saturday, Oct. 19. The temporary seasonal public art installation is open to area children -- Elementary-through-High-School-age. Participants paint a section of a designated window with a fall or Halloween-themed image. Painted windows will remain displayed for the public to enjoy through early November.

“It’s hard to believe five years have flown by already,” said Nancy Brown, SMAL’s San Marcos Art Center Director and event creator. “It’s become such a fun tradition for the participants and viewers, and we’re thrilled to be able to continue our ongoing efforts,” she added.

Once again, SMAL is joining forces with area schools and several generous sponsors including the following who have already signed on the Calaboose African American Museum, DASM, HEB, Mayor Jane Hughson, the Price Center & Garden, and River City Glassworks, to bring the event back and provide appropriate supplies and prizes. First, Second, and Third Place Prizes will be awarded, and all participants will receive acknowledgment and leave the event with a gift bag, extra paint supplies, and brushes to create more art at home.

The Art League will also host Art Scared Market: All Things Spooky on the Square from 9-4 and celebrate the 5th anniversary of its downtown Art Gallery on the 19th (paint day).

The Committee has mapped out 79 window spaces at participating businesses around the Square to make up the Art Scared Gallery. Spaces will be grouped, and allotted for elementary, middle, and high school students. Interested students and their parent or guardian may sign up from Oct. 1 through Oct. 18 via this link: https://bit.ly/3ZImoTU

Windows will be assigned to registered students to paint with the assistance of at least one parent or teacher on Saturday, October 19. Family-friendly imagery is requested. Walk-ups will be accommodated at 10:30 that morning if any spaces remain open. The Award Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 2 at the San Marcos Art Center on the Square.

For more information, please email [email protected].