The Westcott House for Architecture and Design is launching a project several years in the making with the release of a coloring book depicting 20 distinct Springfield homes.
A coloring book release party will celebrate its release 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Westcott House Museum Store, 85 Greenmount Ave.
A coloring contest for all ages tying into the release is also being sponsored. The contest is open in four categories including youngsters ages 6 and younger; children ages 7-12; teens ages 13-17; and adults ages 18-older.
Contestants will create a color scheme for the Leffel House, one of houses of the South Fountain Historic District.
The release event is free and will include light refreshments and attendees can purchase the coloring book for $4.95 and enter the contest.
Kevin Rose, chairman of the Westcott House’s educational committee, had the idea for such a coloring book as far back as 10 years ago. When revisiting it earlier this year, he found the timing excellent as adult coloring projects are a current popular trend.
“I like to joke I knew 10 years ago that adult coloring would be popular,” Rose said, laughing. “It was great luck it happened that way.
“This book is geared toward adults with tighter lines and more detail. It’s a fine work of art.”
The coloring book’s art was created by Rick Benning and Beverly Kitchen, whose other work people may have seen locally, while Rose supplied the text, which includes facts about the residences based on years of research.
All three will be available to sign the coloring books at the release party.
The idea was to celebrate the architectural significance and beauty of greater Springfield houses people drive by every day or hear about, and a few not so recognizable. This meant some of the choices were not as obvious as others.
Some of the more recognizable houses include the Leffel House and the Buchwalder House, both on South Fountain Ave.
One off the beaten path is the Bauer House on Lagonda Ave., which has a unique Japanese influence.
Another point of pride for Rose is he believes the coloring project is unique.
“This book is professional quality, not cobbled together. I don’t know of anybody else doing this,” he said. “It feels good because so much work has been put into it. We have a good project we’ll be able to share with so many.”
If this release is successful, Rose said other subjects could be considered for future coloring books.
“There are so many ways we can celebrate our community, it opens up a lot of possibilities,” he said.
The coloring contest will end June 30. All entries must be original and entirely created by the contestant.
There are no restrictions on the colors or materials used. A three-person panel will judge the entries based on creativity, coloring skill and overall artistic ability.
Coloring forms are available at the Westcott House Museum Store or can be downloaded at www.westcotthouse.org.
Winning entries for each age category will be displayed at the Westcott House Museum and published online after being announced on July 8.
How to go
What: Westcott House coloring book release party
Where: Westcott House Museum Store, 85 Greenmount Ave., Springfield
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Admission: Free
More info: 937-327-9291 or www.westcotthouse.org
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