Mt Washington Valley Vibe and Valley Originals Bring You Essence of the Valley Art Competition

Mt Washington Valley Vibe and the Valley Originals, a group of locally owned and operated restaurants, have joined together to better communicate their thoughts and ideas on what an authentic experience of a local eatery should be.

The Valley Originals and VIBE have collaborated to ensure that folks not only enjoy amazing food while in our Valley but also appreciate amazing art from local artists.

The Valley Originals, a group of independent restaurants, view all members here,  joined together to help promote independent dining and to give back to our valley.

Each year, the VO is able to donate over $353,000, yup, each year, back to our Valley, view recipients here. The VIBE, a quarterly publication, highlights all that our Valley has to offer and makes us special. To us, the VO joining and supporting the VIBE is a natural fit.

Attention all regional artists!

Mt Washington Valley Vibe (MWV Vibe) and the Valley Originals (the VO) are seeking entries from artists around the region! The 2025 competition once again seeks original artwork that captures the essence of the Mt. Washington Valley (MWV) and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The call for art focuses on local landscapes, villages, social lifestyles, agriculture, outdoor activities, and community. Please see GUIDELINES below for additional details.

The selected design will be featured on the back cover of Mt Washington Valley Vibe magazine (Fall 2025, Winter 2526, and Spring 2026) and the winning artist will receive $1,000, and their work will be featured in upcoming publications, marketing collateral, and various press announcements.

Runner-ups will also receive $700 and $500, respectively.

  • All entries must be submitted by midnight on Monday, September 1, 2025
  • Art in any medium will be accepted, with the exception of photography or AI-generated work.
  • Registration will be $25 per entry. Entry fees will be donated to a local fund, TBD
  • The top three winners will be announced, and must submit final art on a firm, flat physical surface such as canvas.

ESSENCE OF THE VALLEY – Grand prizes

First place – $1,000
Plus, winning artwork will be featured on the back cover of MWV Vibe magazine

Second Place – $700

Third Place – $500

The winning artwork will be digitized and used for consecutive back covers of MWV Vibe to help promote Valley Originals. MWV Vibe and the VO reserve the right to edit the final artwork to help brand Valley Originals.

  • Winning artists will have the opportunity to have their signature, printed name, and one contact channel noted on the bottom left-hand corner of the back cover in a one-square-inch area.
  • The top 3 winners will be promoted on MWV Vibe pages. Details to be announced.

Essence of The Valley – Call For Art Guidelines

The artwork should represent the general feeling of the MWV and follow a similar style to the current brand of Valley Originals, with a theme of local landscapes, villages, social lifestyles, agriculture, outdoor activities, and community.

  • Although not mandatory, the predominant use of the VO branded color yellow throughout the artwork would be preferred.
  • As the artwork will be used as a base for communicating the work of the VO, the VO logo and/or flag should also be prominent within the artwork. If this isn’t possible, MWV Vibe designers may add the logo and/or flag to the artwork digitally to further emphasize the brand of the VO.
  • The back cover for MWV Vibe is 9″ wide by 10.5″ tall. Therefore the submitted artwork should follow approximate dimensions. Artwork in a horizontal shape will not work.

Artwork should include the following visuals or words:

  • Overall color must be similar to the color yellow of the VO
  • A similar rendition of the VO logo should be prominent
  • Words: THE VALLEY ORIGINALS
  • Words: EAT LOCAL
  • Words: DINE ORIGINAL
  • www.thevalleyoriginals.com

PLEASE NOTE: If any of the above visuals are not included in the artwork, they will be added digitally to the final work on the back cover of MWV Vibe, and/or in further promotional marketing collateral. We will work with the artist to retain the original intention of the art.

How To Submit Art

HOW TO SUBMIT ART

Step 1. Using your phone, take a clear, well-exposed photo of your artwork.

Step 2. Use this form to provide us with your information and to upload the photo of your artwork

Step 3. See registration fee information in the form above

Next Steps …

Artists will take a photo of their completed artwork and submit the photo electronically using “How To Submit Art” below. The Valley Originals executive board will vote using these electronic submissions.

Once a final winner has been chosen, the winning artist will work with the Valley Originals executive board and the publisher of MWV Vibe to create the final art design for the back cover layout. The Valley Originals executive board shall retain the exclusive right to use the submission for the duration of the holding period, or one year.

Judges will contact the winning artists by September 8, 2025, and ask that they send in the physical version of the artwork to be reviewed, scanned/digitized, and discussed in person. If physical artwork is not received by September 10, 2025, then the runner-up will be selected and given the winning title.

The Valley Originals executive board retains the right to approve the final winning artwork. When a submission is preliminarily selected as the winner, the artist may be asked to make some adjustments to better meet the needs of all the mediums to which the art is applied. Once agreement between the artist and the VO board is reached, the final selection will be confirmed. If an agreement cannot be reached, the VO board reserves the right to select another design as the winner.