Romanoff campaign on arts quest

A few Colorado artists could have the chance to see their creations on display across the state this summer — in store windows, on automobile bumpers, and on a lot of chests. The only catch? The artwork must “visually represent” Andrew Romanoff’s Senate campaign, “the grassroots,” or Colorado. The campaign is sponsoring a competition to find posters, logos, T-shirt designs and videos to use in the Democrat’s primary challenge against Sen. Michael Bennet.

These are examples of graphics for a contest sponsored by the Romanoff campaign. The one above was prepared by The Statesman, echoing the Obama for President “Hope” poster by artist Shepard Fairey, using a word Romanoff has emphasized in recent speeches. The poster below was designed by Romanoff supporter Jacob Moogberg.

“It’s a great way to get ideas for all sorts of media to help represent us, plus all the grassroots we’re standing on,” said Romanoff campaign worker Andy Weis, who is coordinating the contest.

Weis said the competition is a way to reach out to Colorado artists and designers. “The response from the art community has been great,” he said.

The candidate inspired the contest. “When we got our T-shirts, Andrew said we need to get some more exciting logos for these,” Weis said. The obvious model, Weis said, is the “Hope” poster created for the Obama campaign by artist Shepard Fairey, which was ubiquitous in 2008.

The deadline for entries is June 29. Finalists will be displayed at a gallery in the Tennyson Street arts district on July 2 during the First Friday arts walk. A team of Romanoff supporters will pick the winners.

Artists have to fill out a form attesting the work is theirs to submit, and that they either own or have permission to use any underlying images — for instance, a photo of Romanoff. In other words, don’t use an AP photo, or your famous poster could result in an infamous lawsuit, as happened to Fairey last year.

Entrants must be 18 or older, though younger artists can have a parent or guardian submit artwork on their behalf. Check out http://www.andrewromanoff.com/art for full details and required forms.

— Ernest@coloradostatesman.com