Powell River Blackberry Fest seeks ideas for T-shirt design

The highly anticipated Blackberry Fest returns Friday, August 18, to celebrate the blooming of the blackberry and the many businesses on Marine Avenue.

In order for the street festival to be more than a market, Marine Avenue Business Association (MABA) director and business owner Sheona Scott came up with the idea of having an interactive event involving the community: a T-shirt design contest. 

MABA, in collaboration with qathet Art and Wares (qAW) is currently calling on artists to submit ideas for the 2024 Blackberry Fest T-shirt. Members of the public will get to vote for their favourite design when they pass by the MABA tent at this year’s street party.

qAW is contributing to the artists’ prize and also putting the word out to the community about the contest.

“The shirts that we do have have not been updated in a few years,” said Scott. “The contest might be a neat way to get local artists involved, since we have quite an artistic community here [in qathet].” 

Although local artists are encouraged to submit design ideas that represent Blackberry Fest 2024, the contest is open to anyone who may want to participate, but don’t necessarily live here.

On August 18, applicant designs will be on display for the public to see and choose the creation they think might work for next year’s T-shirt.

“Getting at least 10 ideas to choose from would be ideal,” said Scott. “The chosen artist will have their design and name on the T-shirt and also win a prize and trophy.” 

On 8.5 x 11 card stock, artists are asked to submit two prints of their design to qAW on or before August 15, 2023, for judging by the public at the 2023 street party.

For more information, email [email protected]