Visit Haywood Annual T-Shirt Contest
2026 T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST
Capture the unparalleled beauty of Haywood County’s corner of the Western NC Mountains with the Annual Visit Haywood T-Shirt Design Contest!
Haywood County-based artists (ages 18+) are invited to throw their hats in the ring for a shot at winning a $500 prize and a T-shirt featuring their design to be sold at the Visit Haywood Welcome Center, in our online store, and at Mast General Store in Downtown Waynesville (not to mention the bragging rights). Tap into what you love most about Haywood County to craft a design everyone from visitors to locals will be proud to flaunt!
This year, spectators are encouraged to participate in two rounds of voting as the crowd-favorite designs rise to the top! The voting form will open once submission period closes.
Here’s the 2026 timeline:
- Submission portal opens: February 25, 9:00 AM EST
- Submission portal closes: March 23, 11:59 PM EST
- Voting, Round 1: March 27 – April 22, 11:59 PM EST → OPEN NOW
- Voting, Round 2 (Top 5 Finalists): April 29 – May 13, 11:59 PM EST
- Voting verification & winner selection: May 21
- Shirts in store: July.
2026 DESIGNS
Mountain Mandala
By: Sabine Allen
Artist Statement: “Just like a mandala, our beautiful region is mesmerizing, rich with layers of natural beauty. This piece brings together elements of the land, including the dogwood flower, mushrooms, bears, fish, trees, and mountains, woven into a harmonious design that reflects the spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
About the Artist: Sabine Allen is a local artist and designer based in beautiful Waynesville, NC. Whether she’s creating a logo or a piece of art, she is guided by a love for harmony and intention. Sabine believes beauty has the power to uplift and connect us.
Good Catch
By: Jillian Ohl
Artist Statement: “As a Haywood County resident, I walk around Lake Junaluska several times a week with my dog. From the path, I always see people fishing in small boats enjoying the early evening light. I wanted my design to celebrate the joy in taking a slower pace and appreciating the moment within the landscape.”
About the Artist:Jillian Ohl is an artist, illustrator, and designer working in Waynesville, North Carolina. Her work takes the form of art prints, stationary, surface design, zines, portraits, and the occasional T-shirt design. She is currently Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Western Carolina University.
Nature’s Light
By: Aaron James
Artist Statement: “This piece is inspired by cherished childhood memories of catching lightning bugs in a mason jar with my sister, Skye. Those simple, magical nights stayed with me, and it has been just as special sharing that same joy with my own children under the moonlight. The cardinal holds a deeper meaning as well—it represents Clyde Elementary, where I once attended and where my children now go, and it also honors the cardinal as our state bird.”
About the Artist: Aaron James, known as “AJ,” is a born-and-raised local and an award-winning tattoo artist at Euphoria Tattoo and Piercing in Waynesville. When he’s not working, you’ll find him spending time with his family, creating art, or out in a stream fishing Haywood’s local waters.
Blue Ridge Beauty
By: Kayenta Cruz
Artist Statement: “I wanted to capture the natural beauty of Haywood County. Everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by mountains and nature, even at the grocery store. I also tried to stick to the charming simplicity of the region with no bold outlines or bright flashy colors. I felt like a hawk was the best animal to include, as local animals like black bears are frequently featured, but you rarely hear about the majestic hawks. I hope that my design feels like a hike in the woods or a day in one of Haywood’s cozy mountain towns.”
About the Artist: Kayenta Cruz is a local artist and performer who has lived in ( and loved) WNC for basically her whole life. Kayenta especially loves the area’s deep appreciation for the arts. She is a regular performer at HART Theatre, her “home away from home,” and spends a lot of time in Waynesville.
Dogwood Quilt Block
By: Sabine Allen
Artist Statement: “This dogwood design is inspired by the beautiful quilt blocks that are part of Haywood county’s rich history.”
About the Artist: Sabine Allen is a local artist and designer based in beautiful Waynesville, NC. Whether she’s creating a logo or a piece of art, she is guided by a love for harmony and intention. Sabine believes beauty has the power to uplift and connect us.
Jar of Haywood
By: Maggie Kinney
Artist Statement: “For 28 years, I’ve explored Haywood. I’ve hiked her creeks and streams; photographed her birds and beasts. I’ve soaked up summer sun and heard the hawks and eagles bicker in the wind. I’ve drank up her songs and wasted time in liberal delight at everything I found. I thought to keep a piece of each locked up inside a mason jar; all of my favorite things. A jar of Haywood.”
About the Artist: A local born and raised, Maggie Kinney came of age in the woods outside of Canton, where she taught herself to sketch. She is a proud daughter of the mountains whose art expresses a profound love of Haywood’s art, music and social scene. She is a proud mother, wife and daughter who relishes the opportunity to raise her own children the same way she was––here in Haywood.
Mountain Quilt
By: Rosemary Rogers
Artist Statement: “I was inspired by the beautiful mountains of Haywood County as well as the artistic quilt trail seen throughout our wonderful towns. The color palette reflects the color of the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountain Mountain ranges. The names of all of the towns are represented along the ridges of the mountain peaks to give recognition to each community.”
About the Artist: Rosemary Rogers is a 6th-generation Haywood County native who lives and works in Haywood County. As a 5th grade teacher at Hazelwood Elementary School, she educates the future of our community.
Mountain Serenity
By: Sabine Allen
Artist Statement: “This retro-inspired design reflects the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evoking a sense of quiet, timelessness, and serenity.”
About the Artist: Sabine Allen is a local artist and designer based in beautiful Waynesville, NC. Whether she’s creating a logo or a piece of art, she is guided by a love for harmony and intention. Sabine believes beauty has the power to uplift and connect us.
Home in the 828 (1)
By: Vickie Gibson
Artist Statement: “The beautiful sunsets in Haywood County, NC can stop both locals and visitors in their tracks. Watching the sunset over the mountains makes you want to breathe in the fresh air, sit down with people you love, and simply be happy to be alive. This design reflects that feeling of home in the 828, where the roads, mountains, and sunsets all come together.”
About the Artist: Vickie Gibson was born and raised in Haywood County, NC. She and her husband started their family here, and feel very connected to the kindness of the Haywood community. She have worked for many years in the county as a DSP, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. While crafting and creating art with the people she works with, Vickie discovered how much she truly enjoys making art herself.
Mountain Views
By: LeeAnn James
Artist Statement: “Since moving here in 2013, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the mountain views. In the spring and summer, we’re often visited by many vibrant cardinals, adding even more beauty to the landscape. And of course, nothing captures the spirit of the South quite like a mason jar.”
About the Artist: LeeAnn James is a crochet artist and a proud stay-at-home mom of two wonderful kids. Originally from Florida, LeeAnn’s journey led her to North Carolina. After marrying her husband, local tattooist AJ James, the couple settled in AJ’s hometown of Clyde, where the beautiful mountain views have become a part of their everyday life.
Mountains and Towns
By: Rosemary Rogers
Artist Statement: “I wanted to use all of the names of the towns in Haywood County. I also wanted our beautiful mountains and clean water represented in the design.”
About the Artist: Rosemary Rogers is a 6th-generation Haywood County native who lives and works in Haywood County. As a 5th grade teacher at Hazelwood Elementary School, she educates the future of our community.
Home in the 828 (2)
By: Vickie Gibson
Artist Statement: “The beautiful sunsets in Haywood County, NC can stop both locals and visitors in their tracks. Watching the sunset over the mountains makes you want to breathe in the fresh air, sit down with people you love, and simply be happy to be alive. This design reflects that feeling of home in the 828, where the roads, mountains, and sunsets all come together.”
About the Artist: Vickie Gibson was born and raised in Haywood County, NC. She and her husband started their family here, and feel very connected to the kindness of the Haywood community. She have worked for many years in the county as a DSP, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. While crafting and creating art with the people she works with, Vickie discovered how much she truly enjoys making art herself.
