NEWTON HALLOWEEN WINDOW PAINTING CONTEST
October 24, 2009
Rules and Regulations

I. Date, Time, Rain Date
  1. Children may paint their windows on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All work must be finished by 4:00 p.m.
  2. Cancellation due to inclement weather will be announced on the voicemail at the Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs (796-1540/ 527-8283) by Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 a.m. Light rain will NOT necessarily result in cancellation.
  3. The rain date for painting will be Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
II. Paints and Equipment
  1. Each contestant will supply his/her own paints and brushes. Only water-based tempera paint will be permitted. Contestants may mix their own colors or use ready-mixed colors.
  2. NO felt-tip markers, crayons, china markers, wax-based markers, pencils, pens, or glitter will be permitted. NO solid black, navy blue, dark gray, or charcoal gray backgrounds will be permitted.
  3. Suggested equipment:
    • a. Assorted colors of water-based tempera paint;
    • b. Assorted paintbrushes (ranging from narrow to two-inches wide);
    • c. Bon Ami (or Ajax or Comet) to add consistency to paint and help it to adhere to window;
    • d. Plastic cups for mixing paints;
    • e. Newspapers for covering store fronts/brickwork/sidewalks;
    • f. Masking tape;
    • g. One large box for garbage, rags, paper, etc.;
    • h. Low stepstool (NO ladders);
    • i. Warm clothes;
    • j. Lunch;
    • k. Large plastic bag to dispose of all waste;
    • l. A covered coffee can or thermos filled with water for washing brushes;
    • m. Rags or paper towels to wipe brushes and spills; and,
    • n. Rocks or weights (to hold down papers on case of windy weather);
    • o. A ruler or tape measure.
III. Painting Rules
  1. When a Contest official comes to check on the window permit, each contestant must present his/her Registration Card. Failure to obey this rule may result in disqualification.
  2. If a contestant paints a window not assigned to him/her, he/she will be disqualified.
  3. Painting size is 20" (w) x 36" (h). Contestants are responsible for using masking tape to form a rectangle in these dimensions with these dimensions BELOW their orange sign. All painting MUST be done within this rectangle.
  4. Prior to beginning painting, contestants must cover non-glass areas (such as brickwork, wood moldings, and sidewalks) with newspapers and masking tape. Contestants may NOT paint on sidewalk, brickwork, or any areas other than the assigned window. Failure to obey this rule may result in disqualification.
  5. Contestants may NOT scratch paint off window in order to create a design.
  6. Contestants may seek advice or suggestions from any source or individual, but the actual work must be done by the contestant only. Only one child per window, please.
  7. Children in grades 3 through 6 must be supervised at all times by a parent or other adult.
  8. Parents or other adults are allowed only to help children in masking off the window/brickwork. Parents or other adults are asked to stand 5 feet away from the painting area. Disqualifications will result if parents or other adults assist children in any form.
  9. All work must be done freehand; no stencils for lettering or painting will be allowed. This includes pre-cut materials used to trace or aid in painting of the window (e.g., cardboard boxes used as straight edges or tracing pictures out of magazines or books).
  10. When they have completed their pictures, all contestants are responsible for cleaning the area around their windows and disposing of all trash.
IV. Judging
  1. The paintings will be judged on Sunday, October 25 (or, in the event of rain, Monday, October 26). Ribbons will be posted on the winning windows by 5 p.m. the day of the judging.
  2. Paintings must have a Halloween theme. Paintings will be judged on originality, artistry, color scheme, draftsmanship, and observance of the rules.
  3. For the purpose of judging the windows and awarding prizes, the contestants will be divided into the following groups:
    • Group I: Children who are currently enrolled in the 3rd grade.
    • Group II: Children who are currently enrolled in the 4rd grade.
    • Group III: Children who are currently enrolled in the 5th grade.
    • Group IV: Children who are currently enrolled in the 6th, 7th or 8th grades.
  4. Four (4) prizes–1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Most Comical--will be awarded in each age group. The number of honorable mentions in each group is up to the decisions of the judges.
  5. All judges’ decisions are final.
V. Painting Pointers
  1. Sketch your painting ahead of time on a piece of paper.
  2. It is often easier to paint the background first and then paint the scene or characters over the background once it has dried.
  3. Mixing a few shakes of Bon Ami (or a similar product) into tempera paint improves its consistency and helps it adhere to the window. But don’t use a lot of Bon Ami; too much may cause paint to crack.