The 17th annual Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies competition is a beauty contest for homes. This is a search for area residences and commercial properties that have been repainted imaginatively by their owners. Homes painted between Labor Day 2002 and Labor Day 2003 (Sept. 1) are eligible.
The winners are honored with a special plaque presented during a dinner celebration hosted by the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association. This year's celebration will feature guest speaker Bobbie Packer, a local interior architect and designer who worked over 12 years on her own Painted Lady.
This unusual beautification project for homes originated in Chicago and has received national attention. Seven houses have been featured in the book "Painted Ladies, U.S.A." by Larsen & Pomada.
Homes and commercial properties within a 50-mile radius of Chicago are eligible for entry into the contest. The area is divided into sections and categories. The two categories are professional and non-professional. The sections are North, Northwest, West, Southwest and South. Businesses and homeowners in northwestern Indiana are also eligible to enter.
Entries are judged by how the paint and colors chosen were used to enhance the appearance of the property. Also taken into consideration by the judges is how well the colors fit the neighborhood or area that surrounds the structure. Each area and category is then judged separately. Houses or commercial property need not be of Victorian style. Most important is the imaginative use of color and interesting application. Past entries have varied from landmark homes to dwellings in simple style, but painted with flair.
Please contact the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association to obtain more information and an application. Call (847) 755-9850, or write CPCA, 400 E. State Pkwy., Suite 216, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Information and applications can also be obtained at www.chicagopaint.org.
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