Inspired by classic Works Progress Administration (WPA) poster designs, the Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition invited artists to submit original works highlighting the park’s physical and cultural icons, past and present. The City of Boston, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, and the Franklin Park Coalition sponsored the competition.
Franklin Park, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1885, is Boston’s largest green space and a treasured destination for residents and visitors. Historically, local artists have captured public spaces through stunning government-sponsored poster campaigns, such as the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition encouraged Boston artists to celebrate one of Boston’s most beloved parks in their unique art styles.
On October 26, 2025, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners of the competition at the William Devine Clubhouse at Franklin Park. Five winners were judged by a panel of experts, including designers and artists, City of Boston officials, and appointees from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the Franklin Park Coalition. The People’s Choice award was selected through online voting.
This year’s competition winners featured three BU students and alumni: Helena Wang, Lindsay Crockett, and Stella Shippy. All winning designs are available to view and reshare with credit to each artist.
Helena Wang: Jury Selection — Series Winner
Helena Wang graduated in Spring 2026 with a BS in Advertising from the Boston University College of Communication. Her poster series, “Franklin Park: Framed Through Time,” was selected as one of two Series awards. She is recognized by her COM professors as a “gifted designer and art director” whose artistic contributions will have a lasting social impact.
My poster series “Franklin Park: Framed Through Time” was inspired by the idea of beauty being preserved through nature, bringing together pieces of the past and present. Each cutout reflects on how easily connection can fade within the routines of our modern lives, while each frame serves as a reminder of the humanity found within places like Franklin Park.
Lindsay Crockett: Jury Selection — Series Winner
Lindsay Crockett is a Boston University alum who currently works as a Planner in the City of Boston Planning Department. Her poster series, “New Jewels,” was selected as one of two Series awards.
With this series, I wanted to highlight Franklin Park’s legacy as a landmark of landscape architecture, its role in fostering ecological resilience, and its history as a catalyst for social action. As our climate grows more unpredictable, I believe it’s essential to cultivate an ethic of care and celebration for our urban green spaces and the non-human life we share them with. The designs are intended to be bright and engaging; they are a tribute to Franklin Park and a reflection of Boston’s vibrant community and culture.
Stella Shippy: Jury Selection — Emerging Artist Winner
Stella Shippy is a Boston Public Schools graduate and current student at Boston University. She was selected as one of two Emerging Artist award recipients, recognizing local artists aged 14-24.
For this drawing I was inspired by the birds of Franklin Park, both the native birds and the birds that now live in the Franklin Park Zoo. It features the chickadee, Gouldian finch, and the golden pheasant.
