Gulf Shores-based artist Michael Swiger has been named the winner of the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, organizers announced today.

The Shrimp Festival committee, made up of nearly 100 volunteers who work year-round to plan the event, opened the contest in January. A total of 26 entries were submitted by artists from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin.

Swiger’s design earned the majority vote in a secret ballot held by the committee on April 15.

Swiger holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., and co-owns Swiger Studio on Gulf Shores Parkway with his brother, John-David. Together the siblings frequently collaborate on murals for local businesses, restaurants and attractions across Coastal Alabama.

No stranger to the poster contest, Swiger has placed in the top three several times over the years.

“I can remember first entering when I was around eight years old,” Swiger said during a visit from Festival Co-Chairs Rob and Ginny Barnas, who surprised him with news of the win.

Swiger noted that initially he was not planning on entering this year’s contest, but had a change of heart after some encouragement.

“When looking back at my past entries, I really feel like I gave it my all this year,” he said.

Swiger’s winning design features acrylic and watercolor mediums and captures the hallmarks of the festival (food, art, music) alongside imagery of crashing waves, seagulls, dancing octopi, camellia flowers and an outline of the state of Alabama.

In addition to having his artwork serve as the face of the festival’s marketing and merchandise, Swiger will receive a $1,000 cash prize and will appear at the event for a poster signing (location and time to be announced).

Posters will be available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9, the festival’s opening day.

Pre-signed copies will be particularly sought after by collectors, as they will be individually numbered to 100 and bear Swiger’s signature. The artwork will also be featured on the official festival T-shirt and other merchandise.

Additional details on festival activities, vendors and the music lineup will be announced at myshrimpfest.com as the summer progresses.