Tap Your Inner Artist: Logo Contest Underway For Half Moon Bay's 2017 Pumpkin Fest

BAY AREA, CA – The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is launching its 11th annual Logo Design Contest to select a winning design for the 2017 Bay Area-iconic festival, and the deadline is Sept. 10.

Established and emerging art directors, graphic designers, illustrators, fine artists, and hobbyists from across the country will have a high-profile opportunity to showcase their talent by entering the contest.

The winning entry will receive $1,000, as well as the honor of having their 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.

“Now in its eleventh year, the logo design contest has become entrenched as a popular Pumpkin Festival tradition," said Shirley Kellicutt, chair of the contest committee.

"The winning design is key – it sets the tone and identity for the festival as it's the centerpiece of everything we do design-wise," she said. “We're delighted and fascinated by the submissions every year and encourage visitors to drop by Pasta Moon Restaurant’s Music Box Gallery during the month of October to view the entries and vote on the People's Choice Award. The interest and enthusiasm is always inspiring."

Tony Barney, of Cupertino, won the 2016 Logo Design Contest (winning design is attached). Barney’s design highlights Half Moon Bay's surfing culture and pumpkins. The colorful artwork included three surfboard panels painted with pumpkins.

“In 2008, I attended the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival for the first time and fell in love with it,” Barney said.

“That’s when I learned of the logo design contest. With my graphic arts background, I decided to enter the contest the following year and have been doing so ever since. I’m very grateful to the Beautification Committee and the public for voting for my design,” he continued. “I’m humbled and honored my design was chosen.”

The contest is open to all interested, particularly professional artists, graphic designers and art students due to the detailed production specifications required. In addition to the $1,000 top prize for the winning entry, there will also be a $500 award for second place and $250 for third. Special awards will be given for the “Peoples Choice” ($250) and "Most Creative" ($250).

Accepted entries will be on display as part of a special show during the month of October, which includes Pumpkin Festival weekend (October 15-16), at Pasta Moon Restaurant’s Music Box Gallery, 315 Main Street in Half Moon Bay.

A special opening and reception, with all contest entries on display, will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pasta Moon Restaurant, 315 Main Street in Half Moon Bay.

The submission deadline for the contest is Sept. 10, and the entry fee for the contest is $15. Entries must meet the design submission requirements in order to qualify for judging.

Contest details, submission guidelines and entry details are available online at http://www.hmbartpumpkin.com

For other events in the Bay Area, see:

• Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival; Santa Cruz
• Free Shakespeare in the Park presents "The Winter's Tale"
• Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk FREE Movies on the Beach
• Jazz on the Plazz: Los Gatos
• 11th Annual Taste of Petaluma
• Napa: MAIN STREET REUNION
• Sidewalk Sale: Downtown Healdsburg
• Fridays on the Main - Martinez
• Stargazing August 17 with John Muir Land Trust and Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society!