The 2026 Festival Poster
The 2026 GGAF poster design is a whimsical, artistic tribute to the Gulf Coast inspired by nature by Hua-Yao Tung from Valrico, Florida. A pelican carrying a paintbrush glides across the water at sunset, accompanied by a lively school of flying fish. Together, they celebrate the beauty, harmony and joyful spirit of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.
The artist is originally from Taiwan but now calls Florida his home. He is a graduate of the Fine Art Department of Taiwan Normal University. There he studied traditional oriental art and western art before coming to the United States. Upon arrival he traveled to national parks, museums, zoos and botanical gardens in search of new ideas for his work.
Drawing from his extensive background and his exposure to western culture, Mr. Tung has created a unique style; combining modern technique with oriental disciplines. He creates mixed-media paintings, combining ink, watercolor, gouache, pastel, acrylic, gold leaf, gold powder and a special texture. With thoughtful arrangement, the artist has achieved a symphony of color and form in which each medium complements the others.
Hua-Yao Tung has painted and exhibited his work for 30 years. He has been nationally recognized and featured in museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida. He has gained a following in the United States, Canada, Japan, South America, and Europe. His work is in numerous private and corporate collections including that of The Walt Disney Company, Du Pont Corporation, and the City of New Smyrna Beach, Florida as well as the National Art Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.
Mr. Tung will be an exhibiting artist at the festival this year.
Each year, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival sponsors a design competition to select the official GGAF poster. The design is turned into a limited-edition poster, t-shirts, and other items which will be available for sale at the festival. The poster and shirts have become local collector’s items. The only way to get them is at the Festival.