In partnership with Art from the ashes (AFTA), Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is pleased to announce Jessie Vittoria as the selected artist for the park’s RECREATE logo design. Whiskeytown staff worked with AFTA to launch a call for entries in January, 2020, after settling on “RECREATE" as a motto following the devastating 2018 Carr Fire. Enthusiasm for RECREATE stems from the duality of the word: the park is still a place to recreate while, simultaneously, natural regeneration, and park staff are working to re-create what was lost.
Ms. Vittoria recently relocated to Redding when her boyfriend began working with the Whiskeytown Wildland Fire Module. “Design is a connection to the mind, body and everyday experience. As a graphic designer I try to carry the mindset that design not only communicates a thought but also has the ability to generate a collective societal shift," relays Ms. Vittoria who was inspired to submit two design concepts for RECREATE. Ms. Vittoria’s artist statement conveys the symbolism and connection to Whiskeytown:
“It is difficult to sum up everything the Whiskeytown National Recreational Area has to offer in one logo, but the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful scene of the mountains surrounding Whiskeytown Lake. Among other things, the four waterfalls housed in Whiskeytown are a well-known attraction. The four water drops around the border are a subtle nod to the waterfalls."
Ms. Vittoria ’s logo design will serve as a focal point for the park’s RECREATE branding campaign set to launch this summer. The design will be featured on a diversity of sale items available for purchase at the park’s Visitor Center (when it re opens) and will also be reproduced internally to inspire staff around a shared vision for the park’s recovery.
For more information about Jessie Vittoria visit her website jessievittoria.com
ART from the ashes’ Seeds of Regrowth is generously supported by The McConnell Foundation’s Community Vitality Grant, Shasta Regional Community Foundation’s Community Disaster Relief Fund and community partners including Shasta County Arts Council, Shasta Living Streets and North State Symphony. ART from the ashes is a California-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission supports communities affected by wildfire through the cathartic power of art. AFTA’s work focuses on the intersection of art, community and ecology as part of the long-term recovery plan. AFTA’s arts programming aims to invite conversation and foster awareness about California’s ecology, climate challenges and how we can adapt and evolve to become fire resilient. AFTA’s creative platform includes public art installations, art exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations, artist salons, and panel discussions and is made possible by contributing artists, volunteers, sponsors, grants and donations. For more information on ART from the ashes, visit artfromtheashes.org for a complete listing of contributing artists, event schedule and exhibition hours. If you are interested in volunteering for AFTA Seeds of Regrowth, send an email to volunteer@artfromtheashes.org.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
