Organizers for the 94th Annual Tulip Time Festival recently revealed that Kristin Doversberger's "Talk of the Town" is the winning design for the 2023 Tulip Time Poster Contest. The announcement—made by Tulip Time Festival Executive Director Gwen Auwerda at the recent First Bloem celebratory event—ushers in a level of building excitement as the festival approaches on May 6 – 14.
"This piece is extraordinary and represents so many elements of Tulip Time, with exquisite detail in the tulips and houses," Auwerda said. "We are thrilled with this artwork and merchandise."
Doversberger—who grew up in Indiana and earned her BFA from Indiana University with a minor in graphic design—has a familiarity with different media, utilizing both to create a style that lends itself to flexible expression in an inspired form. Her studies included painting, drawing and printmaking, all of which can be seen in her work and in her playful mixes of color and texture. More recently, Doversberger has experimented with a more illustrative style. Her unique style makes itself evident in "Talk of the Town" specifically as a paint and paper collage.
"Tulip Time has energy and expression. It's vibrant, diverse and expressive," Doversberger said of her piece. "This is the basis for my submissions—colorful, multiple media and evoking different emotions. It's the collective experience that's impactful."
Doversberger and her family—husband Mike and sons Thomas and Brooks—recently moved to Holland, Michigan, right on the shores of Lake Macatawa, not far from Lake Michigan. She's excited about her new community and is eager to get more involved with the local art museums, historical society and architectural preservation efforts.
Nearly 100 pieces were entered into consideration for the 2023 competition last fall before being narrowed down to a top 20 selected by juror, Professor Margaret Vega. The winning piece was selected from the top 20 pieces and artists, all of whom were present with their works of art on display at the First Bloem event.
"The entries continue to become more diverse in style and expression every year," said Lorma Freestone, the competitions' coordinator.
Copies of Doversberger's artwork will be available for purchase at the Tulip Time Festival office in downtown Holland and online, along with other merchandise and souvenirs (mugs, notecards, ornaments, etc.) based on the "Talk of the Town" painting.
Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time Festival 2023 and tickets are available at TulipTime.com.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photo Courtesy of Kristin Doversberger, Courtesy of Tulip Time.
