Tulip Time Announces Top 20 Finalists in 2027 Poster Artwork Competition 

HOLLAND, Mich. – November 5, 2026 – Tulip Time Festival, Inc. announces the Top 20 finalists in its annual First Bloem Festival Artwork Competition. This year, 113 works were submitted by 58 artists, celebrating the creativity of West Michigan and the traditions that make Tulip Time a treasured community event. 

The 20 selected works, listed alphabetically by artist, represent a range of styles and media. One will be chosen as the official poster artwork for the 2027 Tulip Time Festival. 

2027 Top 20 Finalists 

Janet Bohac, “Two Tu-Tulips,” Tempera 

Elizabeth Bombara, “Childhood Favorites,” Colored pencil 

Amanda Eckermann, “Bloeminescence,” Batik 

Kim Kalahar, “Nocturne,” Acrylic on paper 

Mary Ellen Kettelhut, “Day Break,” Cut paper print 

Alexis King, “Tulpendroom – Tulip Dream,” Mixed media 

Lena Koeman, “Stippen on State Street,” Oil on canvas 

Bix Norman, “Tulip with Ant,” Archival pigment print 

Todd Norman, “Sixteen Tulips,” Archival pigment print 

Heather Persch, “Pressed in Blue,” Linocut 

Heather Persch, “Blushing Blooms,” Acrylic 

Gail Rattray, “All Unique and Beautiful,” Oil 

Andrea Rich, “Come Together,” Oil on canvas 

Karen Russcher, “Rooted,” Watercolor 

Maggie Schultz, “Hope in Bloom,” Watercolor and gouache 

Sean Sterzer, “Joy,” Drawing 

Carolyn Stich, “Spring Kaleidoscope,” Gouache paint and ink 

Ria VanderKlok, “Line, Shadow, Light,” Graphite 

Alissa Volbeda, “Delft in Bloem,” Gouache and layered paper 

Mary Westrate, “Surrounded by Tulips,” Oil on canvas 

About the 2027 Juror 

The finalists were selected by juror Joel Schoon-Tanis, a working artist based in Holland, Michigan, for more than 30 years. Schoon-Tanis is an author and illustrator of books including “40: the Gospels,” “At Psalm’s School,” and “Lulu and the Long Walk.” His murals have appeared in communities around the world, including Kenya, Zambia, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Mozambique and Palestine. His work can also be found in churches, children’s hospitals, schools, businesses and private collections. In 2016, one of his images was presented to the Pope, and in 2017 he participated in an international art project in Leipzig, Germany, exploring social justice themes during the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. His touring exhibitions include “Red Alert! An Art Experience about Biodiversity” and “Shalom: Garden, Glimpses, and Gospel.” 

About the First Bloem Competition 

The First Bloem Festival Artwork Competition began in 2011 to highlight local West Michigan artists. Residents of Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Kalamazoo counties are invited to submit artwork that reflects Tulip Time’s mission to celebrate Holland’s tulips, Dutch heritage and the growing diversity of the community. 

The official 2027 Tulip Time poster will be selected from the Top 20 finalists and announced ahead of the festival. Tulip Time returns to Holland, Michigan, April 30–May 9, 2027. For festival information, visit www.TulipTime.com.