Medora Masterpiece

Mural CONTEST - New Art in the Old West

Cast your vote! Artists from across the region have submitted work inspired by “Musical Patriotism.” The winning design will be turned into a mural at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre. Voting is open May 1 through May 7. Then join us to watch the winning artist bring their work to life during the opening week of the Medora Musical.

See the Finalists

Star-Spangled Wrangler

By Winnie Weninger | Harvey, ND

Winnie Weninger is a born and raised North Dakota artist, whose work explores the intersection of regional identity and performance. Drawing inspiration from their time as a wrangler in the Medora Musical, Weninger reflects on the pageantry, symbolism, and lived experience of western culture. Their work showcases traditionally tactile craftsmanship while capturing a blend of personal memory to honor both local tradition and collective identity.

Weninger graduated from North Dakota State University in 2024 with a B.S. in Graphic Design and Strategic Communications. Their experiences in Medora, both on and off stage, continue to shape their practice while grounding it in a deep connection to place and heritage.

Read More About "Star-Spangled Wrangler":

Carved and stamped by hand, this linocut relief print captures a moment suspended in musical patriotism. It depicts a Star-Spangled Wrangler rising with his trusty steed in a gesture of control and celebration. In one hand, he steadies the reins, and with the other, he proudly unfurls the American Flag behind them as a symbol of power. In the background, fireworks light up the sky and showcase the impressive 250-year celebration. Along the edges, musical notes and stars frame the scene like a lingering chorus. Through the intentional and repetitive engravings, this piece reflects on the one-of-a-kind performance found in the tradition of the Medora Musical.

Rhythm of Freedom

By Arnette Arth | Belfield, ND

My life and artwork are deeply rooted in western North Dakota. I grew up in Belfield, and one of the greatest influences on me as a child was attending the Medora Musical every summer with my family. Watching the musicians and dancers left a lasting impression on me and helped inspire my lifelong love of music. That early experience eventually led me to North Dakota State University, where I earned my music degree, and then to a 29 year teaching career in band, choir, and guitar.

Throughout my years in education, I found great meaning in creating veterans programs with my students in grades 3 – 12. The children performed the songs of the military branches with pride and sincerity, and those performances became a way to honor veterans while teaching young people the importance of patriotism, gratitude, and respect.

I work at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora, where I meet visitors from all over who are moved by the beauty of the Badlands and the spirit of this special place.

Through my art, I hope to celebrate the spirit of North Dakota and the values that continue to inspire my life.

Hooked on the sounds of the North Dakota Badlands

By Verna Gunderson | Dickinson, ND

I hold a B.F.A. from the University of Montana and a Juris Master’s degree from Liberty University. At my core, I am a storyteller and teacher shaped by an American life’s journey of raising and homeschooling six of my seven children alongside my husband, Eric, highlighted by the 2015 “Great Maine Adventure” that transported a large family along with 5 peacocks, 5 sheep, 2 miniature horses, 2 cats, and a dog to explore the foundations of America.

In 2023, I returned West to be near my aging parents during a season working at the National Park, giving time to remodel the successful Granny’s Corner Suite, an Airbnb in Dickinson. Yet, while fun it was also marked by personal losses and health challenges. Working within that beautiful national park landscape, once known for a president’s own restoration, I also found myself immersed in the vast Dakota skies and the vivid Badlands that have inspired my latest works.

My mixed media, painting, and sculpture pieces explore the tension between fragility and endurance, darkness and light, bringing beauty from the ashes. Through layered textures and reconstructed forms, I reassemble fragments through mediums that reveal quiet hope and find unexpected beauty—reminding us that even in difficult seasons, light still endures and gently leads us toward a new song. So, I welcome the viewer wherever you are in your own journey to enjoy the adventure!

Read More About "Hooked on the sounds...":

1959 brought the Hammerstein and Rodgers words to the stage: “My day in the hills has come to an end, I know. A star has come out to tell me…”

In the North Dakota Badlands we can find many stars, Medora is the brightest of them all with her storytelling and regalia that shines so brightly at the end of the summer’s day. She celebrates the fallen heroes and the living patriotism that was paid for by those who came before and who are now.

In this art piece we can see the notes holding those lyrics combined by the known sounds of the fireworks, expecting the thundering beats of hooves from the bison who almost vanished, and through the amazing music that surrounds the performers as well as the bystanders and horses that bring it all alive, spanning the generations.

The hot air balloons that come to visit view the very hills that show us their colors too—of whites in the clay, reds in the scoria, and blues in the shadows of the past, the present, fanning out to the future.

As Medora is alive with the sounds of music, the Badlands are even more alive with the beauty of the fauna, the flora, and every person who stands in awe. This piece embodies all of those qualities as this country seeks to celebrate its 250th anniversary in style and step with Medora, the crown of the North Dakota Badlands.

Enjoy the show!

Vote For Your Favorite

The voting period will end May 7, 2026. The winner, contingent upon their acceptance, will be announced on May 8, 2026.

CONTEST THEME

This year, as part of the nationwide America250 celebration,
we’re excited to introduce our theme: “Musical Patriotism.” This theme honors the Medora Musical’s longstanding status as a patriotic show. With fireworks, giant flags, and music to match, the Medora Musical always ends with a bang in tribute to the United States of America.

We encourage artists to explore the way the Medora Musical embraces patriotism. To celebrate the essence of being proud of our country through music and performance, focusing on unity and shared values. How the beautiful North Dakota Badlands, paired with the magical musical review that is the Medora Musical, brings joy and pride to millions of attendees. Participants should express their creativity and interpretation
of these ideas in ways that honor the spirit of patriotism without delving into specific partisan issues.

Whether through portraits, landscapes, or abstract interpretations, we welcome your take on Musical Patriotism.

INSPIRATION

To help you get started with your artwork for the theme “Musical Patriotism,” here are some examples and sources of inspiration:

Consider that the Medora Musical always showcases the Flag of the United States of America. At the start of each performance, the flag is raised, and the Star-Spangled Banner is sung. Horse Riders carry the flag on and off stage, and sometimes a giant flag is revealed behind the stage.

The Medora Musical ends on a patriotic high note with Fireworks to the tune of a patriotic song like “America the Beautiful” or “Let Freedom Ring.” The cast and band are usually decked out in red, white, and blue attire with a western flair.

Think about how the show celebrates one of America’s most influential presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, and how his time in North Dakota shaped his life. Take inspiration from how the show tells Roosevelt’s story alongside America’s story without diving into specific politics.

Patriotism in the Medora Musical is also conveyed through our interactions with those who serve our country. In every show, we celebrate our nation’s veterans and active service members. We even have a specific day dedicated to our armed forces, where they get into the show for free and enjoy an extra-special show.

If you prefer a more abstract approach, consider using colors, shapes, and textures to convey the emotions and atmosphere of the Medora Musical. Abstract pieces can evoke the excitement, patriotism, and community spirit that the show fosters.

By drawing inspiration from these examples, you can create artwork that not only aligns with the theme but also showcases your unique perspective and creativity. We look forward to seeing how you interpret and celebrate “Musical Patriotism” through your art!

Inspiration: FLAGS

Inspiration: FIREWORKS

Inspiration: SHOW

HOW TO ENTER

Fill out the entry form, send a photo of your artwork with the entry form to [email protected]. Physical submission is not required.

For physical submissions, mail your artwork to the following address:

Life Skills Center, PO Box 198, Medora, ND 58645.

Ensure that physical submissions are preceded by a digital application with a photo of the submission.

FAQ

What is the substrate?

The substrate is a treated wood panel, designed to be mounted and displayed outdoors but moveable if needed in the long term.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Application would take place outdoors, but we have a few backup locations should the weather be uncooperative.

What kind of paint?

We assume Oil or Acrylic paint, but the final product that is used is up to the artist, as we will provide the supplies dictated by the artist in their submission. After completing the reproduction, we would apply sealant and protective coats to protect the artwork.

Do artwork submissions need to be created with the same type of paint as the replication?

We do not expect the submissions to be created with the same paint or medium as the replication. The submission can be rendered in any format that the artist deems strong enough to convey their vision, and to be extra clear this can include digital designs as well if the final product will be a hand painted piece. Variance is to be expected, and we are placing a lot of emphasis on the artist to bring their vision to life as best they can.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

File Naming:

File Naming: Digital files should be named in the following format: LastName_FirstName_TitleOfArtwork.

Number of Entries:

Each participant is allowed to submit up to three entries.

Contact Information:

Participants must include their full contact information, including Name, Email, Address, Age, and a digital signature verifying these details to be true and their agreement to the Contest Terms & Conditions.

Art Details:

Participants must provide the following details about their artwork:

• Title: The title of the artwork.

• Description: A brief description of the artwork and how it meets the theme requirements.

• Replication Plan: Details on the base color, time, and process goals for reproducing the artwork on a 4×4 foot area of wall, as well as any prep work.

• Tools Needed: A list of tools needed for the replication, such as colors, projector, and other tools.

Formats Accepted:

We accept digital submissions in JPEG, PNG, or PDF formats. Digital submissions should be a square ratio, designed for eventual reproduction on a 4×4 piece of substrate. Physical submissions can be on any substrate the artist prefers. There is no size limit for physical submissions, but please note that we will not reimburse shipping costs.

Submission Deadline:

All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on April 24, 2026.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Medora Masterpiece is to encourage creativity and artistic expression within the community. We hope to discover and showcase talented artists, providing them a platform to gain recognition and fostering a sense of community through shared artistic endeavors.

Additionally, we seek to create community excitement by engaging residents and visitors with positive buzz in the spring. This will enhance our guest experience as we aim to beautify our locations with locally sourced art. Ultimately, we aspire to establish this contest as an annual tradition, with the potential to grow and evolve, creating a yearly project for enjoyment and growth.

ELIGIBILITY

The contest is open to all individuals aged 18 and above. Participants must submit original, purpose-made artwork not previously published or entered in other contests. We strongly encourage artists from all backgrounds and skill levels to participate, as we firmly believe in the power of diverse perspectives and creative expression.

Previous winners are not eligible to enter the contest again. Additionally, participants must be able to attend the opening week of the Medora Musical to recreate their artwork live during that time.

Additionally, the art must be original and purpose-made for this contest. How you create your design is up to you; all styles are accepted. Just be sure it fits into a 1×1 square ratio, and you are prepared to scale up to a 4×4 foot physical painted piece.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, adherence to the theme, and the comprehensiveness of the reproduction plan with all necessary support. An internal panel will review all submissions and select the top three finalists based on these criteria.

Upon being selected as a finalist, we will reach out and it is crucial that you confirm your acceptance. In the event of losing contact with a finalist or winner, they will be disqualified, and the opportunity will be offered to the next finalist in line.

Once the finalists are confirmed, the selection process continues with an online vote hosted via the Medora social media accounts. This vote, which will feature each finalist’s artwork, a short biography, and their description of their artwork. The voting period will take place from May 1, 2026 to May 7, 2026. The winner, contingent upon their acceptance, will be announced on May 8, 2026.

PRIZES

1st Place:

The first-place winner will receive a comprehensive prize package that includes a four-day covered vacation to Medora for two, complete with food, lodging, dinner at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and Medora Musical tickets. Additionally, the winner will receive a week-long pass to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a $1,000 paid commission to produce the artwork, with supplies provided by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, and a prepped space to reproduce their artwork. The winner will also be featured during the social media voting process, showcasing their biography and description of their artwork.

2nd Place:

The second-place winner will receive two Medora Musical ticket vouchers and will be featured during the social media voting process, showcasing their biography and description of their artwork.

3rd Place:

The third-place winner will be featured during the social media voting process, showcasing their biography and description of their artwork.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Copyright and Usage Rights:

We respect the rights of our participants and you retain the copyright to your artwork. However, by entering the contest, the top three finalists grant us the right to use their artwork for promotional purposes, including on our website and social media. The first-place winner will also allow us to reproduce their art as we see fit. These finalists agree that their artwork may be used in future promotions and marketing materials related to the contest. Artist credit will always be given.

Commission Payment:

The $1,000 commission for the first-place winner will be paid upon completing the artwork at our location.

Disqualification:

Entries may be disqualified if they do not adhere to the submission guidelines, contain offensive content, or are found to be plagiarized. Additionally, losing contact with finalists or winners will result in disqualification, and the opportunity will be offered to the next finalist.

Liability:

We are not responsible for any lost or damaged entries. Participants are encouraged to keep a copy of their submissions. It’s important to note that artists are solely responsible for all shipping costs associated with their submissions.

Privacy:

By entering the contest, participants agree to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the contest and awarding prizes. Personal information will not be shared with third parties without the participant’s consent, except as necessary for the administration of the contest.

Modification of Terms:

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Participants will be notified of any changes, and continued participation in the contest will constitute acceptance of the modified terms.

Support:

For any questions or assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or call 701-623-4444.

Updates:

Entrants can find updates and additional information about the contest on our website’s contest page Medora.com/Masterpiece.

We will also post updates on our social media accounts, so be sure
to follow us for the latest news and announcements.
Facebook: MedoraND
Instagram: Medora_ND