Shillingburg wins Seafood Festival Poster Contest for 6th Consecutive Year

     Destin, FL, June 30 - “This painting is special to me, and it will always remain close to my heart,” said Judy Shillingburg, winner of the 2009 Destin Seafood Festival poster contest. “I am honored to be able to tell the history and heritage of Destin and our harbor through my painting.”

     The Destin Area Chamber Board of Directors and staff voted among four entries. The theme of this year’s contest was Destin Seafood Festival: Our Harbor, History, and Heritage.

     Shillingburg is a local watercolor artist who has participated in and won many poster contests throughout Florida. This year marks her sixth consecutive win and seventh win overall in the Destin Seafood Festival poster contest.

     “My inspiration for the painting was that the Seafood Festival is at the harbor,” said Shillingburg. Her colorful design was painted on top of an 1877 chart map and features the lighthouse, a landmark on the harbor today, and a few charter boats approaching the Destin harbor. Also in the painting are a pelican and a couple of seagulls, while fish, dolphins, and a crab are depicted in the emerald green waters.

     The 31st Annual Seafood Festival will be returning to the Destin harbor. On Oct. 2 – 4, more than 36,000 people will fill HarborWalk Village along Destin’s docks to enjoy fresh seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, and much more. Headliners include Survivor and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. For more information, visit www.DestinSeafoodFestival.org.

     “After 14 years of painting, I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my work and inspirations through my artwork,” said Shillingburg. “I believe that I came to Destin to show others through my art just how amazing the paradise that I call home is.”

     You can find Shillingburg and her artwork on the Destin harbor, across from the lighthouse, Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. You can also contact her at (850) 837-7839 or visit www.DestinArt.com for more information on her artwork.