This year’s Joplin Reads Together title, The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal, is set in the Midwest. Encompassing a large area of the United States, this area includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. We invite you to celebrate this beloved region by creating and entering an original work of art inspired by YOUR experiences of the Midwest: What does the Midwest look or feel like to you? Show us! You do not need to read Stradal’s book, nor do you need a library card, to participate. Here’s how:

• Starting February 10th, you may pick up a 12″x12″ canvas panel from the Library’s Reference Desk (while supplies last).
• Create artwork on the canvas panel! Inks, markers, and paints work well, as do several other mediums. Artwork must be original and must not exceed 12″x12″ (or 12″x12″x12″ if 3D).
• Please do not include your name on the artwork itself. Do not frame it or otherwise prepare it for display/hanging–we’ll take care of that!
• Artwork must be returned to any public service desk inside the Library by 5pm on Sunday, March 16th. Late entries will NOT be accepted – no exceptions.
• Artwork will be exhibited in the Library from Thursday, March 27th through Sunday, April 27th. Join us for a FREE reception on Thursday, March 27th from 5:30-7pm! Bring your family & friends!
• Artwork must be picked up from the Library’s front desk Monday, April 28th through Sunday, May 4th. Artwork NOT picked up by 5pm on Sunday, May 4th will be recycled or otherwise disposed of – no exceptions. 

***If you do not wish to use a canvas panel provided by the library, then you may submit your own completed artwork that does not exceed 12″x12″x12″ by 5pm, Sunday, March 16th.***

Download the My Midwest Entry Form

(Entry form must be submitted with artwork.)

Joplin Reads Together is an annual community read program brought to you by Joplin Public Library and partners. For more information about this year’s selection, including opportunities to win prizes, attend programming, and more, see the Joplin Reads Together webpage.