DAPHNE, Ala. — The Planning Committee for the 21st Annual Jubilee Festival has selected the official artwork for the event.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event is scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 in Olde Town Daphne, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

The artwork created by Michelle Foreman Leech of Fairhope was chosen for the poster, T-shirts and other printed materials for the festival. All will be sold at the Jubilee Festival Information Booth.

The painting depicts creatures frequently found in the bay and easily captured during jubilee phenomena.

“I’m just crazy about this year’s artwork,” said Sally Wagner, co-chair along with Barbara Ladnier. “It’s very bright, fun and whimsical.”

Wagner said she discovered Leech’s work while dining at a local restaurant. The artwork displayed at the restaurant greatly impressed Wagner, and she immediately contacted Leech to request a submission.

Leech provided several mock-ups before one was selected by the committee for her to produce.

“I’m really quite honored and delighted to have been selected,” she said. “It’s nice to meet people who are art enthusiasts.”

A Foley native, Leech was raised in Baldwin County and graduated from Fairhope High School in 1976.

She received her bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University Louisiana in Lafayette.

The 54-year-old has been married to Gene Leech for 10 years. He was her high school sweetheart.

Leech has three children: Brooks, 21, Sadie, 19, and Andrew,17. She also has two stepchildren, Amanda, 28, and Jenny, 25.

Leech acquired her creative side from her mother, Mary Douglas, who had multiple degrees in art. Her mother was also the first paid art director of the Eastern Shore Art Center.

Since working as an artist, Leech has branched into many mediums, with acrylic, watercolor and mixed media being three of her favorites.

Her images frequently echo the flora and fauna of the area.

The artwork she created for the Jubilee Festival is more graphic-oriented.

She has her work on display at the Fairhope Artist’s Gallery on South Section Street.

The Jubilee Festival is packed full of some of the most talented artists and craftsmen in the Southeast.

A special feature is the Kids Art in the Park, which consists of the wide variety of booths set up in Centennial Park.

Children get to explore their artistic side by building sculptures, creating “fish prints,” making jewelry and painting their own masterpiece on the wood fence inside the park.

Another highlight is live, local entertainment every hour on the festival stage during the event.

Plus the crowd always enjoys delicious festival foods sold in the food court.

The Second Annual Jubilee Race for Life will take place Sept. 26, beginning at 8 a.m. with a 5K run. Registration is $18 for adults and $17 for 18 and under.

Register online at www.active.com, or visit www.baysidemedicalmission.org.

There is no admission to the Jubilee Festival. Parking is available in the neighborhoods throughout the downtown area and at Lott Park.

For more information, call (251) 621-8222 or visit www.eschamber.com.