In spite of the cold weather, crowds gathered on Washington and Front streets in downtown Marquette in celebration of the 17th annual Blueberry Festival in 2018. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

MARQUETTE — The Marquette Downtown Development Authority invites residents of all ages and skill levels to submit original artwork for the 2019 Blueberry Festival Poster contest.

The selected design will be reproduced as a full-color, limited edition poster for the 2019 Blueberry Festival taking place in Downtown Marquette on July 26. Original artwork in any medium is welcome but should not be larger than 11 by 17 inches and must not have been previously reproduced, according to a press release.

The winning entry will be determined by a combined score based on an online vote open to the public and a panel of judges comprised of local artists, downtown business owners and public officials. Voting will take place May 20 through May 31 at www.downtownmarquette.org.

All entries will be on display at a location to be determined at a later date. The artwork will be on display during the voting period for those who would like to view and vote for the artwork in person. In exchange for the rights to the selected artwork, the winner will receive $150 in gift certificates to downtown businesses and 10 posters.

The winning poster will debut prior to the festival and the selected winning artist will be notified no later than June 14.

The entry deadline is Tuesday. There are two ways to enter:

1. Complete the online submission form at www.downtownmarquette.org/blueberry-festival and mail or drop off your original artwork at the MDDA office, 337 W. Washington St., before the deadline. A digital file (either emailed or delivered on CD or jump drive) of the original image must be submitted as well. Online submissions received without original artwork will not be considered.

2. Submit a paper application with original artwork by mail or drop off your original artwork at the MDDA office before the deadline. Applications can be downloaded on the MDDA’s website or picked up from its office.