HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A mom who had retired commercially but not artistically has created the official image for the 89th Tulip Time Festival.
During Thursday night’s “First Bloom” festivities at the Commons of Evergreen, festival officials announced that Cindy Awrey’s painting entitled “Together” won the competition to be the official poster for Holland’s annual signature event. Her graphic work, utilizing black and white tulips on reversed backgrounds with the leaves overlapping, emerged from 99 total entries submitted by 47 artists, with 20 finalists being judged by festival leaders and members of the Holland Area Arts Council.
Awrey, who had been with HH Cutler in Grand Rapids for a decade and was a freelancer before the birth of twin boys compelled her to set her professional career aside, returned to her creative roots in painting “what she loves, with her fun-loving spirit shining through in her whimsical work,” according to a statement from Tulip Time.
In explaining what led her to create “Together,” Awrey said, “People from all walks of life come together to enjoy Tulip Time. The Holland area celebrates its diversity as well as its rich historic tradition. This work can be interpreted many ways, but my intention was a positive message to come together and enjoy the celebration.”
The other 19 finalist works will now vie for the “Viewers’ Choice” award, as determined by public vote that will be held in conjunction with the eight-day Tulip Time Festival that begins on May 6th. Posters, gicliee prints and other festival merchandise of “Together” will go on sale on Friday through the Tulip Time offices off of 8th Street in downtown Holland, with off-site and online availability later in February.
