Fantasy Fest: Call to Artists!

BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN 

KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR 

CALL TO ARTISTS!

The deadline for submissions for the Fantasy Fest 2022 Annual Poster & T-Shirt Artwork Contest is quickly creeping up on us… all artists are urged to submit their designs for the contest by August 15th at 5 pm, in order to compete! The theme for this year’s Fantasy Fest is “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos”, and will serve as a prompt for artists. 

Applicants can submit up to three different images for the contest, vertical or horizontal, with a preferred size of 18” x 24”. The Key West Tourist Development Association will potentially request winning artists to tweak their submissions, based on certain requirements. Artists are asked to include “Fantasy Fest” and “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” embedded somewhere within their submissions. 

As said on the Fantasy Fest website, “Artwork that creatively and graphically reflects the theme, characteristics, flavor and whimsy of Key West will be reviewed by a selection committee and selected artists will each receive $750, a signing party and recognition as the official Poster/T-shirt for Fantasy Fest 2022!” The call to artists has been an aspect of Fantasy Fest ever since the annual 10-day party began, 43 years ago, and the festival posters have become huge collectors items for cult followers of the festival. 

The changing yearly themes are a significant part of the festival, as they keep things fresh and unique. When asked about the importance of the theme and the art itself, Nadene Grossman Orr, the “Mastermind Extraordinaire” leading the 10-day event, says, “The theme keeps the festival going. People are able to choose their costumes, and plan their parties based on the overarching theme that unites all of the celebrators. It gives everybody something to look forward to celebrating within, a different theme each year.” She continues on by expressing gratitude for the support from and partnership with the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. The director of the Art Council is involved with with Fantasy Fest’s board of directors in choosing the winning art each year. 

The winning artist(s) will be announced on August 19th! Good luck to all applicants!

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