Attention local artists: Your work could be seen all year round on the cover of The Best of Vail Valley magazine. The popular Vail Daily readers’ poll will announce the winners this fall and local art is requested to grace the cover of this publication that gets into the hands of locals and visitors alike. The organizers of the contest at the Vail Daily thought it was only fitting to feature local art on something that is so widely read.
“This exposure is especially valuable because it reaches not only local residents but also our highly desirable visitor audience,” said Zach DuFresne, publisher of the Vail Daily. “Millions of dollars are spent in the Vail Valley each year by visitors who are looking for trusted recommendations. One of the questions we hear most often is, ‘Where do the locals go?’ Best of Vail Valley helps answer that question, giving businesses a credible, community-backed endorsement they can leverage throughout the year to attract new customers and strengthen their brand. A local artist’s work can grace the cover of this magazine, giving that artist lots of exposure.”
“Our magazines have always reflected the spirit of this community, so it only makes sense that our readers help shape them. This contest is about handing the canvas over to the people that inspire our stories every day,” said Holli Snyder, advertising director of the Vail Daily.
The contest invites local artists of all ages to submit an original design for the cover of the 2026 Best of Vail Valley Magazine, inspired by the theme “Spirit of the Vail Valley.”
“It’s a fun opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent in our community while showcasing what makes the Vail Valley so special,” said Gretchen Lentz, digital account manager for the Vail Daily. “The winning artist will not only have their artwork featured on the cover of the magazine but will also be recognized in the magazine itself and during the Best of Vail Valley Winners Celebration on Nov. 4.
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Best of Vail Valley contest has grown. It’s gone from six groups of topics to nine, including Arts & Activities, Body & Soul, Shopping, Health and more. There are now 155 categories, about 25 more categories than last year. Some of the additions are Best Aperol Spritz, Best Ramen, Best Place to Play Mahjong, Best Trivia/Game Night and more. Artists can get creative in how they define what it means to be the best in our area.
For artist submission rules the other contest criteria, go to vaildaily.com/best-of-vail-valley/. Submissions for cover art open Aug. 20 and close Sept. 21. The winning artist will be announced Oct. 5. Artists under 18 are welcome to participate with a signed parent/guardian permission form.