‘Pins’ lead Peabody on historical parade

An array of original art celebrating Peabody history, people, and traditions rendered in the style of vintage round lapel pins has been installed on storefronts and walls across town for the Peabody Pin Parade.

Sponsored by Sunflower Theatre and Peabody Township Library, the interactive community art project by Kansas artist and roadside-attraction expert Erika Nelson includes colorful imagery painted on 42 button-like metal substrates in two sizes — 18 and 28 inches.

The project is the focus of a scavenger hunt Saturday aimed at getting residents and visitors to explore Peabody on foot. The pins are scattered in outdoor places downtown, at the high school, and at City Park.

Entry forms with more information will be available starting today at local businesses and organizations.

Participants can fill out the entry forms with addresses of the art they discovered and enter them in a raffle to win $120 worth of gift certificates to local eateries.

The winner will be announced at Peabody’s 105th fireworks extravaganza.

Nelson spent the past year researching Peabody and working with residents to shape the images. She worked with the Peabody Historical Society and art students.