News Summary
Eli Archer, a sophomore from Zionsville, Indiana, has won the 13th annual Detroit Grand Prix Student Poster Competition. His design captures a roller-skating figure waving checkered flags, symbolizing the vibrant art and racing culture of Detroit. The event has a rich history celebrating artistic talent among students, with Archer emerging victorious over his peers from the College for Creative Studies. His design merges motorsport aesthetics with local spirit, with the official poster reveal set for May 6, ahead of the Grand Prix scheduled for May 30 to June 1.
Detroit’s Exciting Art Scene Shines with Eli Archer’s Win
In a delightful showcase of creativity and local spirit, Detroit has crowned its champion in the 13th annual Detroit Grand Prix Student Poster Competition. This year, the honor goes to Eli Archer, a talented 20-year-old sophomore hailing from Zionsville, Indiana. Archer’s winning design features a dynamic young woman, arms enthusiastically waving checkered flags while gracefully roller-skating through the scenic streets of downtown Detroit. What makes this poster particularly eye-catching is the unique twist — Archer crafted the roller-skates to resemble the sleek designs of IndyCar and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship racers, brilliantly merging art with motorsport.
A Thrilling Competition
Archer claimed victory by just a hair over fellow student Robin Contreras, showcasing the fierce talent of the College for Creative Studies (CCS). Both students are part of a Digital Illustration class instructed by Brian Kotulis, who has been guiding these creatives as they delve into the world of design in the context of one of Detroit’s most exciting events. The competition not only highlights student talent but also strengthens ties to the automotive identity that Detroit is so renowned for.
The poster contest has been a tradition associated with the Detroit Grand Prix ever since the event transformed into a Formula One race back in 1982, becoming an annual favorite. In the last 13 years, the collaboration with CCS has brought forth an array of inspiring designs that celebrate both racing and the vibrant culture of Detroit.
Celebrating the Winning Design
Bud Denker, the Chairman of the Detroit Grand Prix, expressed heartfelt enthusiasm regarding the competition. He praised Archer’s design for brilliantly capturing the essence of both Detroit and the exhilarating spirit of the Grand Prix. A carefully selected judging panel comprised of industry experts, including figures like Raphael Zammit, Ryan Root, and Amy Lange, was entrusted with the challenging task of selecting a winner from the pool of five talented finalists. Public involvement added a fun layer to the judging process, as designs were shared on social media and open for fan voting!
Recognizing All Finalists
The contest not only spotlighted Archer but also recognized a talented group of finalists. Third place was distinguished by Luca Olgren, while Jacob Nguyen and David Klink received honorable mentions for their outstanding contributions. Each finalist is set to receive a small scholarship provided by the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and the Detroit Sports Media Association, encouraging the next generation of creatives.
A Journey into Motorsport
What’s Next?
The winning design will undergo some fine-tuning in the weeks ahead, with the official poster reveal scheduled for Tuesday, May 6. This year’s Grand Prix is slated to take place from May 30 to June 1 on a thrilling 1.7-mile, nine-turn circuit weaving around the iconic Renaissance Center. Racing enthusiasts can get their hands on the 2025 commemorative poster at DetroitGP.com as the event approaches.
And for those eager to experience the excitement in person, tickets will be available for purchase online or via a dedicated ticket hotline. Don’t miss a chance to be part of this remarkable event marking the 35th occurrence of the Grand Prix in Detroit’s storied history!
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Additional Resources
- The Detroit News
- Detroit Free Press
- Click On Detroit
- IndyCar
- Wikipedia: Detroit Grand Prix
- Google Search: Detroit Grand Prix poster contest
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
