Shepherdstown Invites Artists to Design “Welcome” Banners

The Town of Shepherdstown has officially launched its “Welcome to Shepherdstown” Banner Contest, an initiative designed to bring local artistic talent to the forefront and enhance the visual appeal of the historic downtown area. According to information released by the Town, artists who reside, work, or study within Shepherdstown are invited to submit original designs for a new collection of downtown banners. These selected artworks will be prominently displayed on light poles throughout the town, rotating with seasonal and event-specific banners, beginning later this year.

The primary objective of this contest is to celebrate and visually represent the unique characteristics that define Shepherdstown. Organizers are looking for designs that capture the town’s rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, strong sense of community, and its natural surroundings, including features like pollinators and Town Run, as well as its connection to the Potomac River and the opportunities for outdoor recreation it offers. Submissions should be visually engaging, easily recognizable from a distance, and must prominently feature the words “Welcome to Shepherdstown.” Designs should avoid any offensive, discriminatory, or political content.

Submitted artwork must be adaptable to a vertical banner format measuring 30 inches by 60 inches, with an added ½-inch bleed on each side. The Town has indicated that designs do not need to be production-ready at the initial submission stage. Artists whose work is selected will be given a one to two-week period to collaborate with the Town’s team to finalize their design for printing. Interested applicants can access submission guidelines and an application form online. Completed applications can be returned electronically via email, or in person or by mail to Shepherdstown Town Hall, Attention: “Welcome Banner Contest,” P.O. Box 248, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

A jury composed of local artists and Town Council members will select up to three winning artists. Each chosen artist will be awarded a $300 honorarium for their contribution. The winning designs will also receive public recognition through various Town communication channels, including its website and social media platforms. The contest opened on April 1, 2026, with a deadline for entries set for May 10, 2026. Winners are scheduled to be announced on May 25, 2026, and the banners are expected to be installed in early August. For any inquiries or further information regarding the contest, individuals are encouraged to send an email to comments@shepherdstown.us, with the subject line clearly marked as “Welcome Banner Contest.”

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Town of Shepherdstown

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