MURFREESBORO – Break out the art supplies.

&uot;Paint the Town 2005&uot; is seeking artists throughout the Roanoke-Chowan area to present two-dimensional works in any medium for the summer mural competitions.

Ten winners will be chosen to be recreated through a supervised community effort in a permanent display on the outside walls between The Woolery and Northeast Plumbing.

&uot;A few business owners on the beautification committee wanted to offer the outer walls of their business for this project,&uot; Kris Whelan, chair of the project, said. &uot;They are hoping it will inspire other business owners to work on their buildings.&uot;

The project is the first step of creating the murals on the business walls and Whelan is encouraging all artists in the area to submit pieces for the project.

&uot;We’re hoping for lots of community participation,&uot; Whelan said. &uot;We want people to be free and work without pressure. Enjoy yourself and be creative. The idea is for the average Joe who doodles on a napkin to submit pieces.&uot;

The group is asking that all pieces reflect local history. Suggested topics included life on the Meherrin River, local ethnic history, transportation, hunting and/or wildlife, local agriculture, recreation, education and medical. Other ideas offered include Southern Star, covered bridge, herring run, Rosenwal Schools, Melrose, river port, Watermelon Festival and local crafts. The competition is not limited to those subjects.

All work must be submitted in color with appropriate dimensions of 7.5 inches by 11 inches (a long rectangle, not a tall rectangle). For example, a piece can be 15×22

(16×20 is standard and close enough) or 11×18 (12×18 is standard and close enough).

Each entry should be accompanied by a brief written explanation of the historical significance of the subject.

Entries must be submitted with a $5 entry fee (cash only) no later than 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 22 at the Murfreesboro Town Hall.

All pieces will automatically be entered into a juried show to be displayed at the Chowan Gallery from June 24-July 8.

Each of the 10 winners will have their pieces recreated at approximately 22 feet by 15 feet.

Entry forms are available from several area locations, including the offices of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald in Ahoskie.

For more information, contact Whelan at 398-8281.