Festival of Banners: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The Festival of Banners is one of Art Reach’s signature programs, transforming the region into a vibrant outdoor gallery each year. This cherished tradition invites artists of all ages and skill levels to create hand-painted vinyl banners, which are displayed on light poles throughout the community. From Shepherd and Union Township to the CMU Campus Connection, McLaren Central Michigan campus, Fancher Elementary, and downtown Mt. Pleasant, these banners bring art to unexpected places and showcase the rich diversity of creativity in our region.

Each banner tells a unique story, reflecting the artist’s perspective and the power of art to connect and inspire. Participants under 18 and over 65 are invited to paint for free, while others contribute a modest fee to cover supplies, making the program accessible to all. The Festival is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.

Art Reach also produces a commemorative booklet featuring each banner alongside the names of our generous sponsors. These booklets serve as a tribute to the event’s impact and the people who make it possible.

Get Involved

The Festival of Banners invites everyone to participate, whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter. Submission deadlines and forms are available (see below)! This is your chance to contribute to a beloved community tradition and leave your mark on our shared outdoor gallery.

Looking Ahead

The theme for this year’s Festival of Banners is “Pop Art”, a bold and colorful celebration of this iconic artistic movement. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Pop Art's dynamic style, vivid colors, and creative spirit. Submission forms are available now, with all entries due by February 28, 2025. Let’s make this year’s Festival of Banners the most vibrant yet!

Festival of Banner Registration

This form is required for individuals to participate in the Festival of Banners. Art Reach reserves the right to refuse any submission that does not have a completed form.

2025 Festival of Banner submission

The Festival of Banners is a public art event that debuted in the summer of 2009. The festival is a celebration of art and community spirit! One of the goals of the festival is to produce banners designed and painted by community members. They will hang on light poles throughout Isabella County. The theme for 2025 Festival of Banners is “Pop Art.”

Submitting your entry is easy

STEP 1: Participants must complete one submission form per banner. All information on the form must be included to participate.

STEP 2: Design a banner on the official design form. Bold, simple designs are ideal. Submissions will be accepted for participation on a first-come, first-served basis. Inappropriate, trademarked, or copyrighted designs or logos will not be accepted. Absolutely NO political ads are allowed. Forms are available for download below or by visiting Art Reach of Mid Michigan.

STEP 3: Submit the completed form, along with the applicable submission fee of $40 to Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 by February 28, 2025. The submission fee is non-refundable. There is no fee for children 18 & under or adults 65 and older.

Please note: Paying the $40 entry fee ensures the participating individual may pick up their banner once it comes down in early December. To ensure banners for children and seniors may be picked up, the banners must be paid for before the pick-up period. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone interested. Art Reach will notify ALL participants when banners are available via the participant’s email address on file.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

Central Michigan University

Charter Township of Union, Michigan

Cox Sports Medicine

Graff of Mt. Pleasant

Isabella Bank

Isabella Community Credit Union

Krapohl Ford & Lincoln

Migizi Economic Development Co

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort