Chicago Paint & Coatings Association extends deadline for Painted Ladies competition

As a result of some late entries to the annual "Beauty Contest" for houses called "Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies," the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association has extended the competition to Thursday, Sept. 7. The deadline was pushed back from Labor Day.

The competition is lively with winners getting honored with a trophy at a special dinner this fall. There are a number of books available at local libraries to assist you in doing your best.

Size and style are not a factor in the judge's decision. Single family, multifamily homes, Victorian or Queen Anne homes are eligible. The only consideration is quality of craftsmanship and the beauty of paint application. In some neighborhoods, one work has inspired others.

The entire Chicago area is eligible as well as Northwest Indiana. There will be a division among the entries between "self-painted" and "professionally painted." Winners are chosen from each area.

In addition to an award, past winners have been recognized by journalists writing for leading local home sections.

For an application or information, visit www.chicagopaint.org.

You also will see photos of beautiful past winners.

The Chicago Paint & Coatings Association consists of paint manufacturers and those who provide ingredients for paint. The group is over 100 years old.