Aztec — Christy Clugston knew that when she proposed a scene painting idea for her “Find the Grinch” promotion that was launched as part of the annual Aztec glitter festival celebrations, she Must be creative.

But when she described her favorite painting, she couldn't help but laugh, which she designed for the front window of Aztec Plumbing & Supplies on the main avenue in the city center.

"This is Grinch sitting on the toilet," she said with a smile, and explained that given the nature of the business, she thought this scene was natural.

As part of the promotion, Clugston and the approximately 20 young students she worked with as the founder and CEO of Inspire heART have been busy drawing shop windows across the city in the past few weeks. Each window shows the scene of Whoville, a fictional community that is immortal in Dr. Seuss's classic "The Grinch of Christmas", or depicts the Grinch somewhere inside the company.

Shoppers who purchase the "Find the Grinch" card and are stamped by at least 10 of the 22 participating companies will participate in a lucky draw, which will be held on Saturday, December 11 during the Aztec Shining Festival celebrations. The draw will bring back a gift basket full of merchandise, gift cards or discount cards from these institutions.

Cragston is an accomplished artist. He presented the idea of ​​promotion to the Aztec Chamber of Commerce, which cooperated with the Aztec City to sponsor competitions and Aztec shining celebrations. Although she usually uses acrylic paint on canvas for creation, she said that she likes painting windows and the festive atmosphere promoted by competitions.

"I really want to do this because I like Hallmark movies and I like the unity in the community," she said.

Cragston also recruited many students from her work at Inspire heART, a non-profit art therapy organization based in the former Aztec theater. Inspire heART aims to use visual art as a healthy and creative way of venting to eliminate the negative emotions that many young people may feel.

More: A non-profit art therapy group established after Aztec High School shot into the Aztec Theater

Debbie Klein, vice president of the Aztec Chamber of Commerce, said that she liked the idea of ​​Cragston as soon as she heard it, and was eager to fold it into Aztec Sparkles, which was caused by the new crown pneumonia last year. After the epidemic is cancelled, it will return to the -19 pandemic this year.

"I think the community needs it," she said of the holiday celebration. "We have been imprisoned for so long, with so many people in it. We need to unite again to do things."

Cragston said that by December 3, she had completed 15 paintings and there were eight more paintings to be painted. The competition lasts until December 11 (Saturday), this day Aztec Sparkles will culminate with a series of activities throughout the day.

"This is one of the most interesting things about painting because it is very forgiving," Cragston said of the subject of Whoville. "Everything is crooked anyway. Everything is so weird, you don't have to be this great painter."

Klein said that the response to Whoville's paintings was very positive, especially among some business owners who were initially unwilling to participate. She hopes that this idea will become popular throughout the week and attract curious tourists, emphasizing that companies scattered throughout the town, not just in the urban area, are participating.

"Our goal is to get people into the business," she said.

Aztec Sparkles will be prominently displayed at Santa Dash 5k and 10k on the morning of December 11, ceramic painting class at 550 Brewing Taproom in the afternoon, and carnival at Aztec Boys & Girls Clubs. Hay rides will be provided in the city center, where DJs will provide music. Live music and refreshments will be provided at various venues, and Clugston and her staff at Inspire heART will provide face painting.

The Whoville/Grinch costume competition will be held in the city center at 5pm. The Aztec Spark Parade started on Main Street at 6 pm, and the celebrations ended with lighting up the community Christmas tree in Minimum Park.

Call 505-334-7646 for a complete schedule of events or more information about the "Find the Grinch" contest.

You can contact Mike Easterling at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local news through digital subscriptions.