POSTER ART WINNER 2025
Solstice Celebration revealed the winner of the 2025 Solstice Poster Art Contest on Saturday, March 1, at events hosted at Wylde Works and La Boheme's Annual Mardi Gras Party at the Alhecama Theater, where popular local personality John Palminteri served as master of ceremonies, unveiling the winning entry during a special "Breaking News" segment. Members of the audience cheered for the winning artwork as Executive Director Penny Little unveiled "Harlequin Dream Dancer" by artist Larry Vigon. The artwork received top honors from both community voters and the Solstice Poster Art Committee.
There were two dozen poster entries in the Poster Art Contest submitted by local artists. Check out the top entries here. More than 165 votes were cast at Wylde Works, where artists, friends and members of the community gathered for an opening reception. The lively opening party featuring Koalition, a local reggae - ska favorite, who jammed with pianist Keith Bush. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed food, drink, music and conversation as they checked out the art.
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Larry Vigon
Larry Vigon, in addition to being an internationally acclaimed art director whose work has been seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world, has been donating his time and talent to Solstice with his expertise in marketing and in the design of our new “Sun Drummer” logo. Highlights of his artistic career include induction into The Album Cover Hall of Fame for recording artists as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Counting Crows, Bonnie Rait, Carol King, Tom Petty, Frank Sinatra, and many more. Check out his fine art and commercial work at www.larryvigon.com
The public was invited to visit Wylde Works to view the artwork and vote during the week of February 15-22, followed by a Closing Reception. Voting continued online with 112 new voters from Sunday evening through Wednesday. Input was also taken from community members who did not participate in the contest. The final decision was made by the Poster Art Committee consisting of Board President Justin Gunn, Solstice’s new Festival Director Olivia Sorgman, Jonah Haas, and Executive Director Penny Little.
“We are delighted that Larry’s classic and colorful design will be adorning our posters, T-shirts, and fun Solstice swag, to promote this year’s Solstice Celebration, Justin Gunn, Solstice Board President.
Vigon says his artwork “came from a mindless doodle; then I did an exact line drawing which was digitized. I painted a separate piece which was scanned and then put together with the line drawing as the background.”
Larry has also donated his "sun drummer" as a logo for Solstice. This cute little petroglyph character adorns a new Solstice greeting card and will undoubtedly be seen on Solstice swag about town soon!
The originators of the 50-year-old Solstice tradition were fine artists as well as performers. Their original intent was to engage the community in the arts. Today, the Solstice staff of artists are also professional artists and performers who dedicate two months of their lives to mentoring the public, sharing their expertise ine celebration arts to create this people-powered Parade and Festival. "We’re growing hands-on participation in the arts through all of our year-round events.” says Board Treasurer David Machcacek.