Calling All Artists: Design the Poster for the 100-Year Celebration of Oregon Coast's Astoria Column

Published 04/29/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – A century of one famed Oregon coast landmark brings an opportunity for regional artists. How would you like to be responsible for the look of a major celebration? Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Friends of the Astoria Column and Astoria Visual Arts are inviting Oregon artists to help mark the Column’s 100th anniversary by creating the official poster for the 2026 Centennial Celebration. The winning design will be professionally printed, distributed to visitors during the festivities and used in promotional materials throughout the anniversary year.

The contest is open to Oregon residents in three divisions:
- Student Division (ages 5–17)
- Young Adult Division (ages 18–25)
- Adult Division (26+)

Each artist may submit one original design.

Organizers encourage artwork that reflects the Column’s century-long history and its place in Astoria’s landscape. Suggested themes include:

- The Astoria Column
- Local scenery and river views
- Historical or exploration motifs
- Community celebration
- Balsa gliders and other long-standing traditions

The winning artist will receive:
- Their design printed as the official Centennial poster
- Recognition during the 2026 celebration
- Artist credit on the poster and in event promotions
- A cash award of $200 for the adult division, $100 for young adults or $50 for students
- Distribution of their artwork to attendees during the centennial events

For additional details, artists may contact Annie at Astoria Visual Arts. See entry rules and process.

"We love creating professional opportunities for artists, and this contest is a chance for them to explore and interpret Astoria’s iconic history in their own voice”, said Annie Eskelin, Executive Director of Astoria Visual Arts. “It’s also a chance for our community to really come together and celebrate this momentous occasion through creative perspectives. You only turn 100 once!”

The celebration is a free, full day of activities in downtown Astoria on July 18, featuring live entertainment, music, games, cultural exhibits, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and more. The rededication ceremony will take place at the Astoria Column in the afternoon. It is planned as a memorable occasion for local residents and an appealing summer outing for families traveling from across Oregon and Washington.

“The Column is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of Oregon’s most beloved historic landmarks,” said organizers.

https://www.astoriacolumn100.org

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