Coming soon to a bulletin board near you - the prize winning poster for the second annual Blues for the Blue benefit concert!

Graphic designer Nicole Nelson created the poster for Blues for the Blues, incorporating a number of elements, from a Blues harp player to a swarm of blue splashes echoing the Ocean Explorium logo

Ms. Nelson, a 2009 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a degree in Digital Media, enjoyed participating in the poster design contest.  "I like the Blues and wanted to play off a classic Blues sound with the harmonica player".  Ms. Nelson's work can be viewed at her website, www.nikicreates.com.

Jennifer Costa, Blues for the Blue Coordinator, summed up the poster contest as a win-win for artists and the concert, and plans to expand the competition for next year's event.  "The Ocean Explorium gained experience in hosting the contest that can only make it better.  Participating artists will help spread the word among their circles of friends and colleagues.

Ms. Nelson picked up her first-prize award on Monday, her 23rd birthday, and took a moment to admire the other entries in the contest.  Second prize honors went to Andrea Arnold of Fairhaven; third prize to Tom Lopes of New Bedford and an Honorable Mention was awarded to Susan Silva of Fairhaven.

The second annual Blues for the Blue concert is set for Saturday, March 5, 2011 and will be held at Tifereth Israel Congregation, Brownell Avenue, New Bedford.  Tickets can be purchased at a cost of $25 for Ocean Explorium members and $30 for general admission.  All tickets will be $35 at the door.  Exclusive VIP Packages and several Blues for the Blue sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

For information, visit the Ocean Explorium website at www.oceanexplorium.org, contact Jen Costa at jcosta@oceanexplorium.org or call 508.994.5400.