The Allied Arts Council announces its competition for the design of next year’s Trails West! festival.

The council says the festival, August 18-21, will celebrate its 25th anniversary as well as a total eclipse of the sun.

The Council is accepting entries for the 2017 artwork competition now through December 14, 2016.

The winning artist receives a $500.00 cash award. The winning artwork should embody the spirit of the Trails West! ® 2017 theme, “Total Eclipse of the Arts.” It becomes the visual identification, or “logo,” for the festival and the property of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph Missouri, Inc. The 2017 festival marks the 25th anniversary of Trails West!® and is also the weekend prior to the total eclipse, set for August 21, 2017!

The winning artwork will be featured on festival buttons, merchandise and promotional materials including posters, brochures and billboards.

Entries must be received in the Council office by 5:00 p.m. on December 14, 2016. Judging of entries will take place later that month. Entrants will be notified when judging is completed. Winning artwork and artist will be announced to the media at a later date.

The complete rules and application form are available online at www.trailswest.org or call the Allied Arts Council, 816-233-0231, to have an entry form mailed to you.