The newly-announced winners of the Icons of the Franklin Park Poster Competition highlighted the park’s history, nature, cultural landmarks and iconic people.
The city announced the winners in an Oct. 26 ceremony at the William Devine Clubhouse in Franklin Park. Hosted in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Boston Planning Department, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA), and the Franklin Park Coalition, the competition invited artists of all ages to celebrate Franklin Park through original poster designs.
“Congratulations to all the amazing artists whose hard work embodies the legacy of our beloved Franklin Park,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Whether it’s honoring the history of the great Elma Lewis, recollecting Olmsted’s vision, showcasing the incredible native species found throughout the park, or uplifting the many cultural events whose home is Franklin Park – these pieces capture how foundational Franklin Park continues to be to our city and our communities.”
There were more than 50 submissions from all around Boston, the region, and even around the world. Four winners, including two for Original Series and two Emerging Artists (ages 14-24), were selected by a panel of judges composed of community members, graphic designers, artists, and landscape architects. The public was also part of the selection process by casting their vote for the People’s Choice Award, and nearly 1,300 people submitted their vote online.
WINNING POSTER DESIGNS
Jury Selection – Series Winner:
- Helena Wang, “Franklin Park: Framed Through Time” brings together past and present, celebrating the history and memories of the Park, its features and icons, and its natural beauty
- Lindsay Crockett, “New Jewels” – features the wildlife that call the park home, its significance as a jewel in Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace, and the beloved icon, Elma Lewis
Jury Selection – Emerging Artist Winner:
- Stella Shippy, “Birds of Franklin Park” highlights native species like the Black Capped Chickadee and the Golden Pheasant, as well as the Gouldian Finch on display at the Franklin Park Zoo.
- Anne Lai, “History and Horizon at Franklin Park” frames the Kite and Bike Festival, hosted annually by the Franklin Park Coalition, through the historic stone of Ellicott Arch.
People’s Choice Winner:
- Becky Fong Hughes, “Franklin Park: Alive with People, Place and Story” features the designer’s hand-painted watercolors. As the People’s Choice winner, it was selected through an online voting process that invited the general public to select their favorite.
“As designers of landscapes and admirers of Frederick Law Olmsted’s enduring legacy, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects is delighted to see such passionate engagement in celebrating and stewarding this remarkable park,” said Luisa Oliveira, competition juror and Past President of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA).”The community’s commitment beautifully reflects the ongoing vitality and relevance of this nationally significant landscape in the life of the city.”
