The 2025 Festival Poster

The 2025 Festival poster is by Sarah Turner, a painter and former graphic designer and art director. 

“ Like most artists, I have loved anything art-related since I was a small child. I’d draw all the time. At 6, I begged to go to summer art camp instead of swimming in the bay. My favorite class in high school was, of course, art. Whether it was painting, clay work, or making a collage, I was happy! So, it was logical to find an art-related career.

After earning a BS in Art Education, I returned to Auburn to pursue a BFA in Visual Communications. I went on to work as a graphic designer/art director for over 35 years. During those design years, I would occasionally paint or draw for contests or illustrations a client may have needed. I also drew, painted, and worked in pottery for myself and as gifts for others.

Now that I’ve moved on from the career world, I have more time to paint, and I have found it to be my “happy place” as the phrase goes. And with that time comes more learning and practice.

I have always been drawn to the old works of the Renaissance Masters, with their exquisite detail and minimal appearance of strokes, such as those of Da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and Jan van Eyck. On the other hand, I love the Impressionists’ works, with their visible brushstrokes, accuracy of color, and open compositions. Some of my favorites are Renoir, Manet, Mary Cassatt, Camille Pissarro, Cezanne, and John Singer Sargent. While I paint very realistically, I do try from time to time to loosen up, allowing me to experience both the worlds of these great painters.

For me, painting is so fulfilling, and if a painting of mine speaks to someone or they find pleasure in viewing it, then that’s icing on the cake! I hope to continue painting for as long as possible! "

Slideshow of Past Posters