Cash prize awarded to local artist for winning design
FROSTBURG, MD — A winning design has been selected from entries submitted to a lamppost banner design contest created to enhance the streetscape aesthetics on Main Street.
Chris Sloan of Cumberland, Maryland submitted the winning design series. The former Executive Director of the Allegany Arts Council, Sloan has a strong background in graphic design. Before his time at the AAC, Sloan worked as the Art Director for several publications, including Financial Executive Magazine and National Geographic Magazine.
Sloan’s winning design series features major themes of Downtown Frostburg, including the town’s biking culture, lively arts and music scene, and array of dining options. “My designs are intended to be simple, colorful, and evocative of the spirit of Frostburg,” Sloan explained.
In all, nineteen entries were submitted to the lamppost banner design contest. Entries were judged based on several criteria, including design, composition, and relevance to Frostburg’s Main Street District. The winning design was selected by a blind vote of Frostburg’s Arts and Entertainment District Committee, composed of local artists, Main Street and city staff, and arts leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sector.
“There were so many great entries in this contest. It was difficult to choose one,” said Interim Main Street Manager, Bethany Doyle. “It has been a fun experience to see different artists’ interpretations of Downtown Frostburg. I can’t wait to share the winning designs with the community.”
The Lamppost Banner Project has been made possible thanks to a Main Street Improvement grant awarded by Maryland Main Street, a subsidiary of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Frostburg is a designated Maryland Main Street community, and FrostburgFirst is the organization responsible for managing the city’s downtown business district. FrostburgFirst’s mission is to develop and foster a prosperous, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient designated Frostburg Main Street Community.
Sloan’s winning design series will be hung and unveiled to the public at a dedication ceremony during the Frostburg Arts Walk, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018. The event will also feature artist vendors, interactive art activities, live performances, and more. For more information visit www.downtownfrostburg.com/arts-walk, or follow FrostburgFirst on Facebook.
###
