Window displays spread holiday cheer in the Valley

BELLVILLE — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — especially in the Clear Fork Valley.

Cheery snowmen, ornate ornaments, Christmas trees and other holiday scenes adorn the windows of 24 buildings in Bellville and Butler.

These festive displays were painted by artists ranging in age from 6 to 70 years old for the Clear Fork Holiday Window Painting Contest.

According to Teri Brenkus, mayor of Bellville, the contest started about seven years ago in Bellville as a way to drive traffic into local businesses. The contest expanded to include Butler about three years ago.

“It started as a way to promote our local businesses, and it has really taken off,” she said.

The contest, which was inspired by Wooster’s “Window Wonderland,” has become a family favorite in the Clear Fork community and a way to usher in the holiday season.

Participating businesses pay $30, which covers the cost of paint and prize money for the top 12 artists.

Each artist is supplied with paint, brushes and a drop cloth.

“I really was wowed by the artists this year,” Brenkus said. “This might be our most creative year yet.

“Many hours are put into these windows just for the sheer enjoyment of the public, and I think that’s really sweet of all the artists to take time out of their busy schedules just to share their gift with everyone.”

Among the artists who participated was Erica Russell, of Ontario. The art instructor at Element of Art in downtown Mansfield said this was her fifth year to participate.

“It’s kind of my way to spread some holiday cheer,” she said.

She painted a woodland scene with the phrase, “Let there be peace on earth” at 39 Main St. in Butler (next to Tall Timber Inn) and a Nativity scene at 143 Main St. in Bellville (Smith True Value & Rustik Market). 

“Different artists have different methods of transferring the image onto the window. I just freehand it,” she said. “One challenge is any time I put lettering in, everything has to be done in reverse, so I’ve learned to practice my letters backwards.”

One of her favorite parts of the experience is seeing the joy on people’s faces who walk by.

Displays can be seen at Wilson Family Realty, Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center, Mechanics Bank, Hursh Drug, V&M Family Restaurant, Wishmaker Winery/Bed & Breakfast, Pamer Associates, Smith True Value & Rustik Market, Brumby’s Coffeehouse & Pizzeria, Griffon Jewelers, Weekley’s Auto, McCauley Building, Elite Insurance, NuGen, Beachy Chiropractic, Bellville Post Office, Butler Post Office, Bellville Flowers, Refreshing Images, US Bank, Dr. Bowman Office, Carr Building (beside Tall Timber Inn), Mussman House, and Moore’s Downtown Automotive.

The contest is ongoing and will conclude Dec. 31. Cast your vote for your favorite display by visiting any of the participating businesses in Bellville and Butler.