Neyer Creates Winning Poster

The winning poster for the 2009 Lilac Festival was created by Diane Neyer. Titled, "A Breath of Spring," it showcases lilac blooms in front of Arch Rock. The winning design for the 2009 Lilac Festival Poster competition was created by Diane Neyer, of Mackinac Island and Traverse City.

Mrs. Neyer is a self-taught artist and an avid gardener. Her love of gardening is seen in her work, which displays colorful flowers and landscapes.

Along with her husband, Ken, she is part owner of the Metivier Inn on Market Street.

The poster is titled "A Breath of Spring" and features a view of Arch Rock in the background and lilac blooms in the foreground.

The second place winner, Noel Skiba of Rockford, entered a painting titled "Arch Rock," and Betty Bea Washburn of Bellaire took third place with a watercolor. Yvonne Della-Moretta of St. Ignace received honorable mention with her acrylic painting called "Ne-Daw-Niss."

Posters that achieved special recognition were created by Gail Hayton of Hiland, Mary Lou Peters of Mackinaw City, and Jenna Hagenloch of Rockford.