About the 2025 Poster Artist: Nicola North

Nicola North’s stunning pen and watercolour painting beautifully captures the serene elegance of gray whales gracefully navigating the deep, calm waters off Canada’s west coast. At the heart of her artwork, a majestic gray whale glides effortlessly, surrounded by a harmonious group that symbolizes the timeless return of these magnificent creatures each year. Her masterful use of flowing brushstrokes and gentle shades of blue and teal evoke a sense of movement and tranquillity, while the vibrant sea floor below bursts with colour, showcasing the rich biodiversity of coastal waters.

Based in the picturesque Comox Valley, Nicola specializes in enchanting West Coast themes, drawing endless inspiration from her walks in the forest and moments spent at the beach. Her meticulous process blends fine pen lines with vibrant, transparent layers of watercolour, creating a harmonious and dynamic visual experience.

We are thrilled to celebrate Nicola North’s exceptional talent and her contribution to the spirit of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival!

nicolanorthart.ca

Poster Competition

2025 Artwork Competition is now closed.

Each year, one artist is selected to produce artwork that will be featured on the Pacific Rim Whale Festival poster. This competition is open to residents in Vancouver Island including youth, students, & professional and emerging artists.

Submission Guidelines: Submissions will be in the form of a portfolio of up to five pieces of artwork. Submissions should feature Grey Whales. Digital format is preferred (JPEG, PNG, PDF); however, hard copies are also welcome.

Design Implementation: The commissioned artwork will become the property of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society and will be used as the poster image for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. The final poster will feature festival information (title, dates, etc), and adhere to Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society specifications for final production.

Submission Requirements:

  1. Submit your portfolio via email to info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format with the subject line “Poster Artist Competition”

  2. Include a one-page resume

  3. Include a half-page design rationale explaining your vision for the poster art

  4. Portfolios must be submitted by Midnight on October 31, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

  5. Mail submissions will be accepted but are not preferred. Submissions may be mailed to Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society, PO Box 955, Ucluelet, BC, V0R 3A0

*Please do not mail originals. Submissions will not be returned.

Selection Process: The Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society Board of Directors will view portfolios and select the winning artist. The selected artist will be announced at the 2024 PRWF AGM.

Prize:  $500 awarded in 2 payments: $250 upon signed contract; $250 upon delivery of approved artwork.

Button Competition

Before each festival, local school children from Tofino & Ucluelet submit artwork to be featured on one of twelve selected buttons which can be purchased at events. By purchasing one of these buttons you gain entry to all the various Button Events throughout the festival!