ROCK SPRINGS – The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency and Community Fine Arts Center are introducing the inaugural Snowman Stroll and is in need of artists.

The project grew out of a discussion on ways locals and visitors can embrace winter more. The snowmen will be designed to brighten Downtown Rock Springs during the darkest and often most dreaded part of the year, according to a press release.

The organization is looking for local artists to paint the 48-inch tall snowmen. The event, which will take place in 2022, is being paid for through a grant. Applications are available at the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency office, 603 South Main Street or online at downtownrs.com. Application deadline is August 31, 2021. Artists will have September through November to prep and paint their snowmen.

Artists, from the acclaimed to the amateur are encouraged to apply as well as painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multi-media artists and other wildly creative individuals. There will be a $500 stipend for the artists.

“We’re aiming to give the community something to look forward to during that time,” URA Manager Chad Banks said.

The agency bought the snowmen from a women-owned business in Illinois that specializes in the design and fabrication of fiberglass animal forms.

The snowmen will be on display from early January through the end of March. The public will be invited to take the Snowman Small while enjoying services and products from their favorite small businesses. Family activities will go along with the Stroll to further engage the community in the project.

Underwriters for this season’s project so far are:

• Wyoming Community Foundation
• Rocky Mountain Power Foundation
• Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund
• Dominion Energy.

Snowmen sponsored so far are Sweetwater Board of Cooperative Educational Services and Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. The Rock Springs Main Street/URA is still looking for more sponsors. Interested sponsors may contact the office for more information.