Colfax Arts Council is presenting its third annual banner competition, H’Art of the Palouse, which brings art created by local painters to Colfax’s Main Street.

H’Art of the Palouse encourages people of all ages to submit an original design by Oct. 28, for the banner competition. “Its not just for art students. Anyone can join,” said Arts Council Member Ann Marra.

Over the last two years, only 22 people have submitted designs, she said.

Submission can be independent or group designs. There is a youth and an adult category – entry fee is $10 for youth 18 years or under, $20 for adults 19 and over. A jury of public officials and artists will vote on the designs to determine which submissions will be made into banners for display, said Arts Council Member Emily Adams.

Ten finalists will be chosen this year. The finalists will attend a workshop by local artists to discuss methods and technical matters.

Colfax Chamber of Commerce helps fund the competition by providing the banners. Ace Hardware also offers a special price on the paint for the banners to reduce the costs, Marra said.

Banners will be hung on Main Street on Feb. 21.

The public will have an opportunity to vote for its favorite banner. People’s choice paint cans are put in businesses around town, with ballots and pictures of all banners, for people to cast votes, Marra said.

Last year, more than 300 voters decided the winner of the competition.

A jar will be left at the library for people to donate money and gift certificates to the winner.

On March 4, a public reception will be held and the People’s Choice award will be given. The last two years, the winner received a few hundred dollars, Adams said.

This competition is tremendous exposure because cars drive through Colfax, Marra said.

The broad theme for the contest is “The Palouse Country,” Marra said. The loose theme gives the artist the opportunity to be creative and think big.

“This is the most obvious art exhibit in town,” Marra said. Dick Gebhardt, an Arts Council member, introduced the idea to the Arts Council after seeing a similar banner competition in Carlsbad, Calif. He said the majority of its banners were based on beach scenery and he is pleased to see so many original and diverse ideas in Colfax.

Many designs come from artists outside Colfax.

The Arts Council is encouraging participation from WSU students. Only one WSU student has submitted a design over the past two years. Marra said the council hopes to see an overall increase in participants this year.

“The more the merrier,” Adams said.

The Arts Council’s vision for the future of the H’Art of Palouse, is to add poles at the south end of Colfax and hang the banners throughout the whole year.

“It’s just a really fun project,” Adams said.