Local artists have just under one month to complete and turn in their artwork for the Fiesta 2010 Poster Contest by the July 10 deadline.

Artists at least 18 years old who live within 60 miles of San Antonio are eligible to enter the competition. Each entry must be an original, two-dimensional work submitted by a single artist. The Fiesta Commission is encouraging artists to enter traditional media (oil/acrylic/tempera, watercolors, illustrations, prints, etc.) as well as computer-generated works. A copy of the Call for Entries is available here.

Artists can give free rein to their imaginations, said Executive Director Chuck Blische. But, he said, they should keep in mind that the winning poster defines the “look” for many Fiesta merchandise items: t-shirts, baseball caps, ornaments, the official Fiesta poster pin and much more. Judges will be on the lookout for design elements that can be used in a variety of ways.

The commission office, 2611 Broadway, has a gallery of all past Fiesta posters, Blische said, and artists are welcome to stop by to see what has won in the past.

Art Incorporated, 9401 San Pedro Ave., will accept entries through noon July 10. The gallery, in conjunction with the San Antonio Art Gallery Association and the Fiesta Commission, will select up to 10 semifinalists, and the Fiesta Commission is to choose the winner later that month.

The winning artist will receive $5,000, be honored at the Fiesta San Antonio 2010 Poster Unveiling and be recognized in the Fiesta 2009 Magazine. The artist also makes a number of personal appearances at The Fiesta Store® and other locations.

Additional information is available at the commission office, 2611 Broadway, and on its website, www.fiesta-sa.org.