Sunny Dayz Mural Festival Opens

7th Annual Call For Artists

Applications are officially open for the seventh annual Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, which will take place in Shawnee on June 5, 2027. As a nonprofit organization in Oklahoma, Sunny Dayz creates opportunities for women and gender-minority artists to connect, collaborate, create, and lead through public art.

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is partnering with Visit Shawnee and Dunbar Heights Community Group to create murals that will strengthen connections between key areas of the city. Painting begins the week leading up to the festival (“Sunny Week”), which offers artists time to connect with each other as well as the local community.

How does Dunny Dayz Mural Festival help artists?

Since 2021, Sunny Dayz has held six annual mural festivals in different communities throughout Oklahoma. A total of 246 muralists have created 176 new murals, and 62 teens have participated in the mentorship program.

“Being a part of Sunny Dayz is such a gift!” said muralist Jillian Bell, who painted in the 2026 festival in Claremore. “To be so celebrated and supported while also having creative freedom to paint a mural is so rare. I feel incredibly lucky, and honored to be selected to share my art in a way that is meaningful to the community.”

How to apply to be an artist for the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival

Muralist applications are open from now until November 9. A review panel of 10-15 arts and community professionals thoughtfully evaluates each application. The panel looks for a strong sense of purpose, style, and diversity in each year’s muralists, while ensuring that the majority of the lineup represents Oklahoma artists. Both experienced muralists as well as first-timers are encouraged to apply.

Between now and November 1, Pottawatomie County’s teen artists can apply for the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival mentorship program, a hands-on introduction to public art designed for ages 16-19. Beginning in November, a cohort of 10-15 mentees will meet monthly via Zoom with arts professionals to learn about the full mural-making process and creative careers. Teen mentees will paint small murals for the festival in June, with guidance from the event’s leadership team and professional artists.

“Sunny Dayz is the best way to learn and get hands-on experience in the mural field,” said 2026 mentee Jocelyn Daniels. “With some of the best artists and people out there, they help you learn and have an amazing time.”

Representation, access, and confidence-building are top priorities for both the mentorship program and muralists. Underrepresented artists are especially encouraged to apply.

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival sponsorships are available.

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is committed to paying muralists for their work. In addition, artists have full creative control over their mural concepts. This extraordinary opportunity requires significant financial support from partners, foundations, businesses, and individuals. Businesses that contribute a gift of $2,500 or more are eligible to have their logo printed on one mural plaque, in addition to other marketing benefits.

Artists and community members alike can look forward to seeing new permanent cultural assets in Shawnee next summer, which will continue attracting visitors long after the festival concludes.

Learn more and apply: sunnydayzmuralfest.com/apply

Find answers to frequently asked questions: sunnydayzmuralfest.com/faqs

For additional questions, please reach out to: eat1@eau1eav1eaw1

About Sunny Dayz Mural Festival

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is a nonprofit public arts organization dedicated to transforming communities through large-scale murals, artist engagement, and creative placemaking. By bringing together artists, residents, businesses, and civic leaders, Sunny Dayz creates vibrant public spaces that celebrate local identity, foster connection, and generate lasting cultural and economic impact.