Art Scared

For more than seven years, the San Marcos Art League (SMAL) has been pleased to bring Art Scared to the downtown Square in October. The temporary Halloween public art installation is open to area children, Elementary-through-High-School-age. Participants are invited to paint a section of a designated window with a fall or Halloween-themed image. Painted windows will remain on display for the public to enjoy through early November.

Over the years, SMAL has joined forces with area schools and several generous sponsors, including Cardinal Art and Frame, the Downtown Association of San Marcos (DASM), the Kiwanis Club International and the Price Center & Garden to support the event and provide appropriate supplies and prizes. First, Second, and Third Place Prizes will be awarded at each different school age level. All participants will receive acknowledgment and leave the event with a gift bag, extra paint supplies and brushes to create more art at home.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 8:30am-Noon

All materials are furnished at no cost to you. Join us downtown on the courthouse lawn at the corner of Guadalupe St. and San Antonio St. between 8:30-10am on Saturday, October 24th to get checked in to paint.
Show off your painting skills and spooky creativity by decorating you're assigned window. Painting starts at 8:30 and ends at noon.
A panel of judges will choose winners for each age group and winners will be contacted at a later date for the award

Follow this link to reserve your spot in the 2026 Art Scared.

See our Events calendar for details about other family friendly art activities.