WESTMINSTER, Md. — The PEEP Show in Westminster has become a beloved annual tradition, evolving from the simple bunny and chick designs that many remember from childhood. Each year, talented artists push creative boundaries, unveiling their imaginative PEEP creations in an event that draws significant attention and excitement.
“The PEEP Show is essentially a snapshot of current pop culture,” noted Stephen Strosnider, a representative of the Carroll County Arts Council. “Whatever the latest news or trending shows are, you can expect to see those themes reflected here. We have K-pop Demon Hunters and Stranger Things, as well as numerous entries celebrating classic franchises like Lord of the Rings, LEGOs, and Star Wars.”
Artists exhibit their creativity without any constraints, resulting in a diverse range of themes, including some that are darkly humorous or patriotically inspired. One display even delivered a stark yet informative health message advocating for colonoscopies.
“I never imagined seeing something like this,” remarked Cindy Fincham from Finksburg, who attended the exhibit with her grandchildren. “I had seen a few photos online, but nothing compared to the scale of the creativity on display. It’s simply fantastic.”
The PEEP Show is made possible by Just Born Quality Confections, headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This company, which has been producing PEEPs since 1953, generously sponsors the Westminster event.
According to Angel Jarrett, one of the participating artists, “This particular piece used nearly 1,300 PEEPs. Fortunately, they produce them in blue, white, and yellow, which made my life easier since I didn’t need to paint them. However, crafting it took around a week and a half, with plenty of hot gluing involved.”
Transforming these ordinary marshmallow figures into artistic masterpieces involves considerable time and effort, all in support of the Carroll County Arts Council.
“In our inaugural year, we had 60 entries, and this year, we’ve seen that number grow to an impressive 196 entries. While other PEEP shows exist across the nation, we are proud to be the largest exhibition of its kind,” Strosnider added.
The exhibit is open to the public free of charge, but visitors can contribute by voting for their favorite entries or purchasing their own pieces, with proceeds supporting various programs offered by the arts council throughout the year.
