by Tim Beeman

Photo courtesy of the Michael Kellicutt archives.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival’s Sixth Annual Poster Design Contest is now closed for 2011. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, in association with the Coastal Arts League, has now received all the entries for its sixth annual Poster Design Contest; entries were due by Sept. 19. Graphic artists from across the country had a high-profile opportunity to showcase their talents by entering their computer-generated vector art; the winning poster design will be used for advertising the 2012 festival.

The winning entry will receive $1,000 as well as the honor of having the design featured as the centerpiece on all promotional material for the prestigious festival, held every October in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay.

The contest attracts entries from across the nation and organizers look forward to building on its success. “The contest has become an important part of the festival’s identity and we’ve been so pleased with the quality of submissions,” said Shirley Kellicutt, a member of the Coastal Arts League and chairwoman of the contest committee. “Every year, many visitors come to the Coastal Arts League gallery during the month of October to vote on the People’s Choice Award. The interest and enthusiasm is always tremendous.”

The contest was open to all interested parties — particularly art students, professional artists and graphic designers, due to the detailed production specifications. Besides the $1,000 top prize, there will also be a $500 award for second place, and two $250 third-place prizes. Special awards will be given, too: the $250 “People’s Choice” award and the $100 “Most Creative” award.

Accepted entries will be on display as part of a special show during the month of October 2011 — including the Pumpkin Festival weekend of Oct. 15-16 — at the Coastal Arts League Gallery at 300 Main St. in Half Moon Bay.