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Winners of RSU's Paint the Town competition announced

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 15:44 GMT by Fox 23
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Local School Districts Crowned Champions of the “Paint the Town” Competition

By [Your Name]
Fox 23 News Desk, October 8, 2025

In a celebration that blends creativity, community pride, and the spirit of healthy competition, the Regional School Units (RSUs) of Maine have officially announced the winners of the annual “Paint the Town” contest. The event, which saw dozens of young artists and their teachers transform empty walls and neglected public spaces into vibrant murals, was unveiled last week in a ceremony streamed live on Fox 23’s “Local Lens” segment.

The competition, organized by the Maine Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education, invited RSU art teachers to submit proposals for public art projects that would beautify their towns, foster civic engagement, and showcase student talent. Over 30 schools from 12 RSUs submitted entries—ranging from large‑scale city wall paintings to modest schoolhouse accents. In total, more than 200 students worked on the designs, with guidance from local artists and community volunteers.

The Winning Entries

The judges—comprising art educators, local artists, and city council members—awarded first place to RSU 12, second to RSU 3, and third to RSU 17. In addition to the top three, a “Community Choice” award was granted to RSU 5 for their “Neighborhood Garden” project, which combined painted benches with a hand‑painted garden layout.

What the Winning Projects Mean to Their Communities

“We’re thrilled to see the talent in our schools being showcased on such a large stage,” said Ms. Elena Martinez, Principal of Westport Middle School in RSU 3. “These murals aren’t just art; they’re a reflection of our community’s identity and the hope we have for our students.”

RSU 12’s “Sunrise Over the Harbor” has already become a tourist draw. Local business owner Tom Reynolds, whose café sits across from the community center, noted, “People come in, take pictures, and it’s brought a new energy to our downtown.” Meanwhile, the “Forest Echoes” mural at the gym has turned an otherwise plain wall into a conversation starter for students, encouraging them to discuss environmental stewardship.

The “Maine Mosaic” at RSU 17’s library steps has a unique backstory: the tiles were donated by the city’s recycling program, turning discarded ceramics into a permanent tribute to Maine’s artisanal crafts. “We wanted to close the loop on waste and celebrate our artisans,” explained project lead teacher, Mr. Derek Hughes. “The students loved that the artwork was literally made from something that would otherwise have been thrown away.”

Recognition and Future Opportunities

Each winning team received a $2,000 grant from the Maine Arts Council to cover materials and a $500 scholarship to the state’s School of Fine Arts. In addition, the first‑place team from RSU 12 will host a community workshop later in the summer, teaching children in the town how to paint murals. “We’re excited to share the process with the next generation,” said Mrs. Martinez.

The competition also served as a springboard for broader educational initiatives. Fox 23’s “Future Artists” segment highlighted how the RSU program is being expanded to include a digital art curriculum, allowing students to create virtual murals that can be projected onto the same walls for a rotating display. This initiative aligns with the state’s push for STEM integration in arts education.

Links for More Information

• View the full gallery of all entries and detailed project descriptions on the official RSU “Paint the Town” page: [ www.fox23.com/paint-the-town ]
• Learn about the RSU program and apply for the next competition: [ www.mainearts.org/rsu-competition ]
• Watch the winners’ announcement livestream on Fox 23’s YouTube channel: [ youtube.com/fox23locallens ]

Looking Ahead

As the summer winds down, the RSUs are already planning their next moves. Many students have expressed interest in continuing their mural work throughout the fall, collaborating with local nonprofits to brighten schools and community centers across the state. Meanwhile, the Maine Arts Council is exploring a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts to secure additional funding for the “Paint the Town” series.

This competition has reminded us all that art is more than color on a wall—it’s a conversation between the past and the future, a shared space where young minds can project their hopes onto the community that nurtures them. With the RSUs leading the way, Maine’s towns are not only being painted; they’re being transformed into living canvases that inspire generations to come.