News Photo by Darby Hinkley The Alpena Downtown Development Authority is seeking artists to submit their designs to replace the winter banners on the tall lampposts downtown, shown above. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31.

ALPENA — Downtown banners will have a new look next winter, featuring the design of a local artist.

Submissions are currently being accepted for the Alpena Downtown Development Authority’s winter banner contest. The submission deadline is Jan. 31.

Artwork should have a winter theme that can remain on the tall lampposts throughout the season.

“When we were looking at banner options, we could have gone with something generic, like we have now,” DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry noted. “But we have so much local talent. We thought, ‘Why not make our banner a little more unique and give artists a chance to have their art featured downtown?'”

Artists may submit up to three different designs that celebrate the wonder and magic of winter in downtown Alpena. All artwork must be original, and entries cannot be photography or have any text on them. For each design chosen, the artist will receive $100.

Each artist may submit up to three designs, and entries must be received by Jan. 31.

Gentry said this contest is similar to the one held in spring 2019, in which a new design was selected to replace the summer banners. The summer banner artwork was created by Sheri Emerson, an international artist who resides seasonally in Alpena, and Mariah Brancheau, a student at Alpena High School.

“Instead of choosing a generic design for our new banners, we wanted to highlight local artwork that reflects the creative spirit of our community,” Gentry.

The contest is open to artists of all ages.

“We’re excited to see what people can come up with,” Gentry said.

To view a full list of terms and conditions, as well as information about submitting your artwork, please visit www.downtownalpenami.com or contact the DDA office at 989-356-6422.