Solstice Santa Barbara has announced that internationally acclaimed designer Larry Vigon is the winner of its 2026 Poster Art Contest, with his piece “Wave” selected as this year’s official image.
The announcement came during the BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade® Trunk Show & Art Auction on March 26 at the Community Environmental Council (CEC) Hub, where art, music, and community converged in a lively fundraising event supporting Solstice 2026.
Vigon, whose celebrated career includes work for artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Counting Crows, and Tom Petty, was inducted into the Album Cover Hall of Fame in 2020. His winning design reflects the 2026 Parade theme, “Wave,” interpreted through a lens of movement, imagination, and play.
“When I heard the theme was ‘Wave,’ I began sketching right away,” Vigon said. “I wanted to create something fresh that captures the whimsical spirit of Solstice.”
Selected from dozens of entries by local artists, the winning piece was selected through a combination of community voting—both in-person and online—alongside input from Solstice board members, advisors, and staff.
The Trunk Show featured more than 60 artist-painted miniature elephants, each a unique work created in partnership with Elephant Parade®, the international public art initiative. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Darla Bea and guitarist Magic Jordan, with food and desserts from local favorites Blue Owl and Pascucci. Many sculptures also incorporated the QuickTales app, allowing visitors to hear artist-recorded stories directly from the artwork.
The 2026 Santa Barbara Summer Solstice poster, featuring a "Wave" theme, was created by local artist Larry Vigon. The three day festival will be June 19-21. Board member Stephen Meade hosted the reveal event with Solstice Executive Director Penny Little pic.twitter.com/U3ikIx6DEY
— John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) March 31, 2026
Vigon’s artwork will appear on official Solstice posters and marketing materials for the 2026 Celebration, continuing the tradition of artist-driven imagery that reflects the spirit of Santa Barbara’s beloved community event.
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It’s never the one I voted for.