Completed Call to Artists: Light Pole Banner Designs

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.’"

The Presentation

In November 2019, the selected artists were presented to City Council, and each of them received an $800 cash prize and a special print of their design. At this time, City staff and the Public Arts Commission also presented all the submitted designs to Council and thanked all the local artists for their participation.

Matt Hyland at Council LS
Cathy Shoemaker at Council LS
Christine Smith at Council LS

The Celebration

In January 2020, the banners were hung City-wide, with a special Banner Hanging Celebration held at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts to recognize the occasion and honor the artists. City staff, the Public Arts Commission, and local artists were all in attendance. The banners can now be seen on the light poles Downtown and along Donnelly Street and Highland Street.

2 banner design artists with their designs
2 banner design artists with their designs and Arts Commission members