A regional art competition tied to one of Southwest Michigan’s best-known summer traditions is now open, giving artists a chance to have their work featured on a special beverage created for the upcoming Krasl Art Fair.
The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan has announced the launch of its 2026 Label Design Competition for Krasl Handcrafted, a signature canned cocktail being produced in partnership with Watermark Brewing Company.
The winning artwork will appear on the label of the limited-release drink celebrating the 64th Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, one of the Midwest’s premier juried art fairs.
The competition opens March 16, with a submission deadline of April 6. The winning artist will be announced May 14.
Regional competition
Organizers say the contest is open to artists throughout Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, and there is no entry fee.
Artists are asked to design an original label for the canned cocktail that includes the name “Krasl Handcrafted.” Submissions must be original artwork and cannot be AI-generated. Designs may be created using a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, photography, digital art, or graphic design.
Entries must be submitted as a flat image measuring 8.15 by 4.3 inches, provided as a high-resolution PDF or Adobe Illustrator file. Each artist may submit one design.
Participants under age 18 may enter with a parent or guardian’s signature.
Prizes and recognition
The winning artist will receive:
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$200 cash prize and a framed award
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Two VIP packages to the 2026 Krasl Art Fair
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A six-pack of the canned cocktail (for winners age 21 or older)
Original artwork submitted for the competition can be picked up at Krasl beginning May 1.
How to enter
Submissions may be sent:
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By email to artfair@krasl.org
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By mail to Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph
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Or dropped off at the Krasl front desk during normal hours
Questions about the competition can be directed to Krasl Art Fair staff member Jamie Balkin via the same email address.
Held each summer overlooking Lake Michigan, the Krasl Art Fair draws hundreds of artists and tens of thousands of visitors to downtown St. Joseph, making it one of the region’s signature cultural events. Organizers say the label design competition is another way to connect artists with the celebration while highlighting the creativity that defines the fair.
