CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism (CPRST) is introducing a fresh twist to this year’s Oktoberfest T-shirt designs. This year, local students will compete by age groups as the festival aims to foster a sense of community and encourage budding artists to partake in local events.
“We’ve always had a range of T-shirt designs available at Oktoberfest,” said CPRST Director of Media and Marketing Sandra Slate. “But this year, we wanted to let kids design for kids. We’re eager to see how our younger generation steps up to the challenge and showcases their talent.”
The contest is open to students from grades six through 12. Slate said the decision to announce the contest before the school year begins is intended to give students ample time to create their designs. Additionally, festival organizers are hopeful that local art teachers will rally their students to enter.
She said students are free to use any medium for their artwork, be it paint, markers, pen or digital, with the only stipulation that colors must be solid for printing purposes. Digital designs can be submitted via email to specialevents@cprst.org, while original artwork should be mailed or hand-delivered to the CPRST office at 703 Second Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055.
Questions have been raised about the use of AI in creating designs, and Slate said the Oktoberfest committee insists on original, locally inspired artwork. It believes that the use of AI-generated designs, although a potentially useful learning tool for digital art students, may lack the desired authentic Cullman touch.
Artwork submissions must be turned in by noon on Aug. 14, 2023. The Oktoberfest committee will judge entries based on originality, adherence to the solid color rule and how well they reflect the Cullman Oktoberfest spirit. Additionally, designs must include a reference to Cullman’s 150th anniversary year, the words “Cullman, Alabama” and be at least 10″ x 10″ in size.
Two winners—one from grades 6-8 and another from grades 9-12—will be selected by the committee. The identities of the artists will remain undisclosed during the selection process. Each winner will receive a $100 prize and a free T-shirt featuring his or her design.
Members of the Oktoberfest committee said they are looking forward to seeing how the students rise to this challenge and produce artwork that captures the unique spirit of the Cullman Oktoberfest.
