For the second time in three years, local designer and illustrator Brent Beck, 27, has won the Summerfair poster competition. His fanciful depiction of an enormous sun shining over a garden of paint brushes will be unveiled during a poster signing 1-3 p.m. today at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

2002 Summerfair poster

        “My concept was to incorporate imagery of summer and images familiar to artists,” Mr. Beck says. “One of the most important things was to make the design spontaneous.

        “I wanted to incorporate the sun — it was kind of a joke between me and the festival — because I know what an important part the weather plays in the event (May 31-June 2 at Coney Island). I wanted to give the fair a blessing.”

        Mr. Beck, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's School of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, won the contest in 2000. This year, the 26th, he was one of 40 artists to submit designs. There is a $2,000 cash prize.

        “When I won the competition two years ago, it was truly a great moment,” said the Lebanon-based artist. “To win it again two years later, well I never thought that would happen. I was really surprised.”

        Mr. Beck, who is married to teacher Diane Beck, works as a graphic designer for Kolar Design. He is hoping his Summerfair posters will help him branch out as an illustrator, especially for children's books.

        “If people see the poster and like my style and want to hire me as an illustrator — well, I wouldn't complain about that,” he says. “But my first job was to help make the festival a success. I want to get people excited.”

        Posters 11 by 18 inches are $4; 22 by 36 inch posters are $7; signed posters $20; signed and numbered posters $30. Information: www.summerfair.org or call 512-531-0050.

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