How to Participate

1. Submit your registration form online (see below).
2. Await further communication from Cheekwood staff. We will notify you of your participation status and chosen theme by August 7.
3. Begin brainstorming your scarecrow design.
4. Pick up your scarecrow frame from Cheekwood (more details to follow). You must use this frame! 
5. Design and assemble your scarecrow!
6. Send in your group’s scarecrow name and your artist statement.
7. Return your scarecrow to Cheekwood for display.
8. Visit your scarecrow in Cheekwood’s Turner Seasons Garden! September 13 – October 26, 2025.
9. Come help us clean up and recycle your scarecrow November 5 – 7, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 4 PM.

Guidelines for Participation

• No mannequins may be used for the Scarecrow display! VC pipe frames are provided by Cheekwood—these frames must be used. Entries that use mannequins as the base will not be accepted or displayed.
• Scarecrows must be family friendly and appropriate for all audiences. Entries that are not in good taste, overly political, or contain overt brand advertising will not be accepted or displayed.
• Materials that can withstand being outdoors for the duration of the exhibition should be used. Any Scarecrow that deteriorates beyond acceptable condition may be removed by Cheekwood at any time. Scarecrows cannot be cardboard based, and any sealants used must be put on prior to installation at Cheekwood.
• Scarecrows are to be delivered to Cheekwood fully assembled during the dates and times specified in Cheekwood communications. If a scarecrow is not fully assembled, Cheekwood staff will be unable to install it.
• Cheekwood staff will remove and dispose of scarecrows at the end of the exhibit if they are not picked up during specified times below.

Timeline

Monday, June 30  | 9 AM
Online registration opens!

Sunday, August 3 by 5 PM
Online registration forms due

Thursday, August 7 by 5 PM
Participants will be notified of the participation status and designated theme choice

Monday, August 11 – Friday, August 15 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Participants must pick up Scarecrow frames at Cheekwood Visitor Services Center

Monday, August 18 by 5 PM
Participants must send scarecrow name and artist statement via e-mail to Cheekwood

Wednesday, September 10 and Thursday, September 11 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Participants’ completed scarecrows must be delivered to Cheekwood Visitor Services Center and installed by participant

Wednesday, November 5 – Friday, November 7 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Participants must come to Cheekwood and help remove and recycle their scarecrows

Friday, November 7 by 5 PM
All remaining scarecrows will be removed and discarded by Cheekwood staff by end of day

Questions? Contact the Education Team at [email protected].

Apply

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