The Contest
In August 2019, the City put out a Call to Artists announcing a Banner Design Contest, with the selected pieces to be displayed on light poles throughout the City. Out of 46 artists who submitted, 3 were chosen for their designs illustrating the contest theme, "Someplace Special":
- Matt Hyland of Mount Dora ("Sunset on the Lake")
- Cathy Shoemaker of Mount Dora ("The Donnelly House")
- Christine Smith of Umatilla ("The Sunset")
The final designs were chosen by a panel of judges from the Public Arts Commission. Harlow Middleton, Chair of the Commission, said, “The members of the Commission were so excited about the quality and the quantity of the submissions, which evidence a thriving arts community in Mount Dora. The City will proudly fly these banners to honor ’Someplace Special.’"