Start of Summer Artwork Contest 2025
Rockford Chamber and Rockford High School Art Students Unite for Start of Summer Celebration Artwork Contest
Rockford, MI – April 3, 2025 – The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce a vibrant collaboration with the talented art students of Rockford High School, resulting in a stunning collection of artwork for this year’s Start of Summer Celebration. This unique partnership aims to foster community spirit and showcase the incredible talent within Rockford’s educational system, with the goal of establishing this project as an annual tradition.
Four exceptional pieces of art, each capturing the essence of summer in Rockford, have been created by the high school students. These artworks are now available for public viewing and voting, allowing the community to directly participate in selecting the official artwork for the 2025 Start of Summer Celebration posters.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Rockford High School’s art department,” said Megan Dean, Executive Director of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “This collaboration not only brings fresh, creative energy to our annual celebration but also provides a platform for our young artists to shine. The talent displayed by these students is truly remarkable, and we are proud to showcase their work.”
The project has been a collaborative effort, involving close coordination between the Rockford Chamber, Rockford High School art students, and dedicated Rockford Public Schools (RPS) staff. This partnership has provided students with real-world experience, allowing them to understand the process of creating artwork for a public event and the importance of community engagement.
Community Voting Details:
- Members of the Rockford community are invited to view the four submitted artworks below and read about each submission.
- Voting will be open from April 3, 2025 until April 30, 2025
- Votes can be cast at the link below. One vote per email address.
- The artwork with the most votes will be featured on the official 2025 Start of Summer Celebration posters.
“We encourage everyone in Rockford to participate in this exciting process,” added Dean. “Your vote will directly impact the visual representation of our beloved Start of Summer Celebration this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our local artists and be a part of creating a lasting tradition.”
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Rockford High School look forward to celebrating the artistic talents of the community and continuing this partnership for years to come.
1. Sparking Evening
Artist: Sophia Mendham
Junior
Digital Painting
I wanted to capture the ephemeral and nostalgic feeling of buzzing summer nights at the Start of Summer festival. The indescribable experience of feeling closer to your friends, family, and community as a whole has and always will assist in tying Rockford closer together. I specifically wanted to capture how the Start of Summer festival feels in the moment when dusk is just settling in and everything feels bright and hopeful.
2. As Though It Were a Dream
Artist: Esther Mol
Senior
Digital Painting
The kids are in their own world and you’re just peeking into it, nothing else matters and it’s just them, capturing childhood innocence and the sibling bond because youth is very fleeting, like a dream. I actually drew my niece and nephew, remembering taking them to the start of summer festival and seeing them run around, the sister hand in hand with her best friend as they explore the attractions. I wanted to express the dream-like atmosphere of not having a care in the world.
3. Turning the Corner
Artist: Alexander Roberts
Junior
Watercolor
4. Marching Into Summer
Artist: Malerie Zupin
Senior
Acrylic Painting
During my time at Rockford High School I was lucky enough to be a part of the school’s marching band. The marching band has had a huge impact on my life and has provided me with many creative opportunities. Not only that but I have accrued thousands of happy memories with my fellow bandmates, among those being marching in the Start of Summer Parade! Being a part of the community in this way was such a positive experience, seeing my family, friends, and even strangers sing along to our fight song as we marched through downtown.
