Sourwood Festival poster design winner, Idol contest announced

The Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce has announced the 40th Anniversary Sourwood Festival poster contestant winner and the Sourwood Idol Contest.

Jack Williams is the winner of the 2017 poster contest. He graduated from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design and illustration.  He worked in advertising and marketing and as a freelance illustrator for 25 years before retiring to Black Mountain in 2009.

Williams is an active member of the community, serving on committees and contributing his talent.  He designed the Black Mountain Greenway logo and signage, the logo for the town square and illustrates the posters for Park Rhythms. One of his watercolors was used for the cover of the chamber’s 2010 visitor/relocation guide.

Williams and his wife Judy are members of the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League at the Red House Studios & Gallery.

The chamber is accepting applications for the 13th Annual Sourwood Idol Contest.  The contest is for amateur singers. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners.  A children’s category has been added this year for ages 12 and younger.

There is no fee for contests, but the number of entries is limited. Applications are available at the chamber Visitor Center or online at SourwoodFestival.com

Winners will be determined by a three-judge panel recruited by Rob Boer, music professor at Montreat College.  Well-know storyteller Trish Russell will be the master of ceremonies keeping the laughter going between performances.

The Idol Contest event, free and open to the public, will be held in the Sourwood Festival entertainment tent on Sutton Avenue from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 11.

Trophies will be designed and donated by Dart Sign & Trophy. Here are the awards:

• First place: $200, sponsored by My Father’s Pizza and Pasta
• Second place: $100, sponsored by Larry B. Harris
• Third place: $50, sponsored by Harwood Home for Funerals
• Children's award: $50, sponsored by Black Mountain Savings Bank