Public voting opens for Grand Rapids’ 175th Anniversary Poster

Public voting opens for Grand Rapids' 175th Anniversary Poster

Published on August 15, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids is inviting the public to help select the official commemorative poster for its 175th anniversary celebration. After receiving dozens of submissions from local artists, the City's Art Advisory Committee has selected three finalists-and now it's up to the community to vote for the winner.

Voting is open now through Friday, Sept. 5 at publicinput.com/175postervote. The winning design will be unveiled during the ArtPrize opening ceremony Thursday, Sept. 19.

The three finalists are:

• "Blueprint" by Steve Wammack - A line-drawing collage of Grand Rapids architecture, symbolizing the city's civic and cultural institutions, with celebratory color accents and a blueprint motif representing growth and planning.
• "Primary Grand Rapids" by Sarah Aldrich - A vibrant, detailed piece highlighting the artist's love for Grand Rapids' art, nature, and family life, using a color palette aligned with the GR 175th branding.
• "Scenes from the City" by Jack Markosky - A lively depiction of iconic Grand Rapids landmarks and everyday moments, from the skyline and Calder sculpture to food trucks and skating at Rosa Parks Circle.

All three posters will be displayed at City Hall throughout ArtPrize and each finalist will receive a cash award.

"This competition is a celebration of the creativity and community spirit that define Grand Rapids," said Doug Matthews, assistant city manager. "We're excited to see which design connects most with our residents and their impression of this commemorative year."

For more information and to cast your vote, visit publicinput.com/175postervote.

• Media Releases