Carroll County Arts Council Gears Up for 18th Annual PEEPshow fundraiser

The Carroll County Arts Council is preparing for its 18th Annual PEEPshow, set to take place from April 11-21, 2025, in the former Sears space at the TownMall of Westminster. The event, a long-standing community tradition, showcases artistic creations featuring the popular marshmallow PEEPS® candies as a central theme.

“PEEPshow is the Carroll County Arts Council's biggest fundraiser of the year. PEEPshow began with around 60 entries back in 2008 and around $3,000 was raised that year,” said Gwen Asbury, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator with the Carroll County Arts Council.

“Every year since then, the number of entries has grown, along with the number of folks who come through to view the entries for free and vote for their favorites,” said Asbury. “PEEPshow now typically raises over $70,000 for general operating and programming expenses at the Carroll County Arts Council.”

Event Overview
The PEEPshow is an annual exhibit where participants create dioramas, sculptures, mosaics, paintings, photography, and videos centered around PEEPS®. While the use of actual PEEPS® candy is not required, submissions must clearly incorporate the PEEPS® theme.

Attendees can visit the live exhibition and vote for their favorite entries, with online voting also available. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Carroll County Arts Council, helping to support arts programs in the community.

Entry and Participation Details
Artists of all ages are encouraged to participate, with the following key dates to keep in mind:

• Entry Drop-Off:

  • Oversized Entries: March 26, 12 PM – 7 PM

  • Standard Entries: March 28-29, 12 PM – 7 PM

• Entry Pick-Up:

  • April 22-23, 12 PM – 7 PM

Participants must follow specific guidelines, ensuring their entries are portable and do not require attachment to walls or ceilings. Certain materials, such as hazardous substances, liquids, loose soil, and glitter, are prohibited.

Voting and Awards
The event features several award categories:

• Audience Favorite Awards – Determined by combined in-person and online votes, with the top ten entries receiving prizes.

• Top Video Award – Awarded to the most popular video submission.

• Artistic Excellence Awards – Selected by Arts Council staff.

• Sponsor’s Choice Awards – Determined by event sponsors.

Only the Audience Favorite and Top Video categories will have vote counts publicly announced.

Registration and Contact Information
Registration for entries is currently open. Those interested in participating can sign up through the Carroll County Arts Council website. For assistance with registration, individuals can contact [email protected] or call 410-848-7272.

Community Impact
Over the years, the PEEPshow has become a major attraction in Westminster, drawing visitors from across the region. The event not only highlights local creativity but also serves as a fundraising initiative for the Carroll County Arts Council, supporting various community arts programs.

The 2024 PEEPshow raised more than $80,000 for the organization.