Organized by the MSV, this free coloring contest runs through December 29. One lucky participant from each age group competing in the coloring contest—tot (4 & under) child (5–7), youth (8–12), teen (13–17), adult (18–59), and senior (60+)—will win a one-year family membership to the MSV ($90 value) and more great prizes!
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) and First Night Winchester invite artists of all ages to participate in the 2022 First Night Winchester Coloring Contest. Organized by the MSV, the free contest runs through December 29.
Drawn by Shenandoah Valley artist John Burns, this year’s coloring contest picture celebrates the 35th anniversary of First Night Winchester and the MSV exhibition National Geographic Photo Ark. This inspiring exhibition presents more than 50 portraits of some of the world’s most endangered animals taken by world-renowned photographer and conservationist Joel Sartore. On view in the MSV through February 13, 2022, Photo Ark is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society and the exhibition’s MSV display is sponsored by Shenandoah Oncology and Shenandoah Country Q102.
One lucky participant from each age group competing in the coloring contest—tot (4 & under) child (5–7), youth (8–12), teen (13–17), adult (18–59), and senior (60+)—will win a one-year family membership to the MSV ($90 value), official Photo Ark merchandise from the Museum Store, a package of McDonald’s® gift cards, and two tickets for a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester, including free popcorn at the theater. Contest winners will be contacted on December 29. The six winning entries will be on display in the MSV lobby on December 31.
According to MSV Special Events and Community Programs Manager Josh Huff, this is the eleventh year that the MSV has partnered with First Night Winchester to sponsor the coloring contest and serve as a daytime entertainment venue for the First Night Winchester celebration.
To celebrate New Year’s Eve, the MSV will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 offering free admission to all wearing a First Night Winchester 2022 wristband, ages 12 and under, and MSV members. For all others, MSV admission rates apply ($15; $10 senior/ages 12–18). A balloon artist will be making balloon animals in the MSV galleries building lobby from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will appear at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to present a family oriented animal education program featuring several of its ambassador animals, including a screech owl. Visitors may also stop by the MSV Truist Learning Center to pick up a take-and-make party hat craft throughout the day.
Along with offering family oriented First Night activities, New Year’s Eve at the MSV is also significant as December 31 is the final opportunity for visitors to tour the Museum’s Glen Burnie House and gardens before they close for the winter season. The Trails at the MSV will be open from 7 a.m. until dusk on New Year’s Eve.
Those interested in participating in the coloring contest may pick up free coloring sheets at the MSV Guest Services Desk. Coloring sheets may also be downloaded here. To be eligible to win a prize in the contest, participants must bring (or mail) completed coloring sheets to the MSV by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
First Night Winchester wristbands—which are needed to enjoy the First Night festivities in Old Town Winchester—will be available for purchase in the Museum Store from December 21 through December 31 for $10. The MSV galleries building is closed on Mondays and in observance of the Christmas holiday, the MSV will not be open December 24 and 25.
A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia. The MSV includes a galleries building that presents permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Glen Burnie House, seven acres of formal gardens, and The Trails at the MSV, a free-admission art park open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Additional details about the MSV are available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235.–END–
About First Night Winchester:
Founded in 1986, First Night Winchester is an alcohol-free New Year’s celebration of the arts in Old Town Winchester that features dozens of entertainers. The mission of First Night Winchester, Inc. is to bring friends and families together to unite our community in all its diversity through the visual and performing arts. More information about First Night Winchester is available online at www.firstnightwinchester.com.