Solstice Announces Winner of Poster Arts Contest

Solstice Celebration announced the winner of the annual Solstice Poster Art 2025 Contest Saturday evening March 1 at both Wylde Works and at the La Boheme’s Annual Mardi Gras Party at the Alhecama Theater. MC John Palminteri did a surprise “Breaking News” segment featuring the winning entry.

The winner is “Harlequin Dream Dancer”  by Larry Vigon, whose artwork was the top pick of the community and the Solstice Poster Art Committee.

Larry Vigon, in addition to being an internationally acclaimed art director whose work has been seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world, has been donating his time and talent to Solstice with his expertise in marketing and in the design of our new “Sun Drummer” logo. Highlights of his artistic career include induction into The Album Cover Hall of Fame for recording artists as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Counting Crows, Bonnie Rait, Carol King, Tom Petty, Frank Sinatra, and many more. Check out his fine art and commercial work at www.larryvigon.com

“Larry Vigon’s 2025 Harlequin is a stunning creative achievement in graphic arts

that elevates and celebrates the importance of Summer Solstice Parade & Festival to the Santa Barbara community!”  Jonathan Alburger, General Manager of the Flag Factory & Solstice Board Member.

There were two dozen poster entries in the Poster Art Contest submitted by local artists. More than 165 votes were cast at Wylde Works, where artists, friends and members of the community gathered for an opening reception. The lively opening party featuring Koalition, a local reggae – ska favorite, who jammed with pianist Keith Bush. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed food, drink, music and conversation as they checked out the art.

“There were only half a dozen “spoiled ballots” because a few of the voters did not put their name on the ballot. No ‘electile dysfunction” here!’  jokes Executive Director Penny Little. “On a serious note, the Poster Arts Contest is another way Solstice fulfills its year-round mission of “bringing the community together through the arts.”

The public was invited to visit Wylde Works during the week of February 15-22, followed by a Closing Reception.  Voting continued online with 112 new voters from Sunday evening through Wednesday. Input was also  taken from several community members.  The final decision was made by the Poster Art Committee consisting of Board President Justin Gunn, Solstice’s new Festival Director Olivia Sorgman, Jonah Haas, and Executive Director Penny Little.

“We are delighted that Larry’s classic and colorful design will be adorning our posters, T-shirts, and fun Solstice swag,  to promote this year’s Solstice Celebration, Justin Gunn, Solstice Board President.

Vigon says his artwork “came from a mindless doodle; then I did an exact line drawing which was digitized.  I painted a separate piece which was scanned and then put together with the line drawing as the background.”

When asked about why he got involved in the contest Larry said “You do your work, unless the public sees it, it’s like it’s not complete until it’s out there in the world. I hadn’t done anything lately that is out in the world, so this is also my way of giving back to the community and being in the world.”

The originators of the 50-year-old Solstice tradition were fine artists as well as performers. Their original intent was to engage the community in the arts.  Today, the Solstice staff of artists are also professional artists and performers who dedicate two months of their lives to mentoring the public, sharing their expertise ine celebration arts to create this people-powered Parade and Festival.  “We’re growing hands-on participation in the arts through all of our year-round events.”  says Board Treasurer David Machcacek.