Props to the peeps

Some things you probably already know about Marshmallow Peeps:

They are chewy.

They are sugary.

They are yellow, pink, lavender, blue and white.

But, did you also know that these Easter-basket staples can become works of art?

That’s where you come in.

The Spokesman-Review is sponsoring its second-annual Marshmallow Peeps as Art Contest.

So, before you bite the heads off those marshmallow chicks and bunnies, we want you to look at those Peeps in a whole new way.

Create a marshmallow-y tableau. Smoosh them together for a free-form sculpture. Heck, you could transform some boxes of Peeps into a full-scale replica of the Monroe Street Bridge.

There really are no rules; just create something artistic with your Peeps. Creativity is encouraged and there will be bonus points for entries with an Inland Northwest tie-in. (Peep pornography will be disqualified; this is a family newspaper after all.)

To enter, send us a picture of your Peep work of art. Finalists will be asked to bring the actual creation to the newspaper for judging, so don’t eat your artwork until the contest is over.

Along with the photo, send a brief description of the piece, your name, town of residence and a daytime phone number.

Entries can be e-mailed to features @spokesman.com — Put “Peeps” in the subject line, please.

Or they can be sent to The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, 999 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201. Mark the envelope “Peeps in Art.”

Entries are due April 3 and winners will be announced in the Today section on Easter, April 16.

A panel of highly qualified Peeps in art judges will select first-, second- and third-place winners. Winners will receive brunch on us (don’t eat too many Peeps, though, you’ll want to save room).