REI and Arbor Announce Snowboard Contest Design Winners

After careful review of art and votes submitted to its online snowboard design contest, REI , a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, and Arbor , a collective of artists, designers and friends who snowboard, skateboard and surf, announce a grand-prize winner whose design will be added to its 2010 – 2011 snowboard collection and sold exclusively at REI.

“We were impressed with the overall quality and creativity in the designs that were submitted,” said Bob Carlson, Arbor co-founder. “It’s clear many artists who participated in this contest took time to research our brand and use mediums that complemented our focus on blending art, technology and eco-materials.”

The winning design will be sold exclusively at REI within its 2010 – 2011 women’s snowboard line available to purchase in September 2010. The grand prize designer will receive a snowboard featuring their design and a $1,000 REI gift card. Four runners-up were selected by the online community. Eligible runners-up will receive a $500 REI gift card.

“As the women’s snowboarding category continues to grow, we are thrilled to select a women’s specific board design from the top five,” said Kelly Maggs, REI product manager for snowboards.

Grand prize design:

“ The Hummingbird,” by KCimaging00

Runners-up:

Mic Con tro l,” by KCimaging00

“The Art of Shred,” by Ryan McD

“Thin I ce,” by Jmantastic

“ Psychedelic,” by jtfoulks

“The energy that went into designing the art and submitting votes was inspiring,” said Tom Vogl, vice president of REI Marketing. “It’s incredible to see how many people signed-up to help us choose the top designs they want to use on the slopes next year.”

The free contest was open to artists of all skill levels. The top contenders were selected by members of REI’s online community who cast votes for their favorites from November through January 2010.

About Arbor Collective

Arbor was founded in 1995 on the assertion that solutions to many of today’s most difficult snow, skate, and apparel design challenges exist in the natural world. For 14 years, Arbor has built on the belief of replacing environmentally harmful materials with ecologically based, natural alternatives. Arbor’s goal is to create a higher level of function and relevance in the most responsible way possible. The end result must be improved style and performance, with significantly reduced impact on the environment. “We all need clean air to skate, clean water to surf, and snow to ride…”

About the REI Co-op