We have been overwhelmed with the response from our community of listeners for our very first KPR Mug Design Contest, the design to be featured on the 2019 KPR Membership Coffee Mug. We had 26 incredible designs entered into the competition; KPR selected our top 5 and then 1,547 of you voted, selecting Elia Hernandez as our winner.
Elia Hernandez is a senior at the University of Kansas studying graphic design and works as the Marketing Program Manager/Designer at the Ambler Rec Center on campus. Elia enjoys crafting/anything artsy, graphic design, baking/cooking, and playing her dog, Winnie. When asked about the inspiration for her KPR Design Contest entry Elia said, "My design was inspired by landmarks and things that are recognizable to Kansas. I referenced the John Brown painting for the man/beard and then incorporated the Lawrence skyline, Topeka Capitol building, and the Keeper of the Plains sculpture in Wichita...I wanted the design to be fun and be layered with things that make Kansas, well, Kansas!"
Elia also talked about how she loves all of the jazz music played on Kansas Public Radio. Hernandez said, "When I was growing up, we always played jazz music at family gatherings, so KPR reminds me of great times spent with all of my family!"
Kansas Public Radio thanks all of our listeners for contributing their thoughts for their favorite choice for the KPR Membership Mug Design Contest, and thank you to all who submitted their designs. This competition was truly wonderful for us to hear from our listeners, and we appreciate your love.
A big thank you to our runner-up winner, Jen Gabriele!
Jen Gabriele teaches and coordinates Spanish 212 in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at KU. Jen is the owner and sole proprietor of Artistic Misschief founded in 2015. Jen enjoys running, reading, fixing up her house with her partner, and making art. You can find Jen's art around the Lawrence and KC metro area. When asked about design inspiration for this contest Jen said, "Apart from all things Kansas, my partner and I are vegetarian so we love all animals! I especially love the bison, because I think they are regal and majestic."
Jen listens to KPR for the local and national news as well as the 'eclectic music that is played!'