Face of Edmonton
This Make Something Edmonton project aims to co-create images that re-imagine our place in this river valley.
We've co-created images about the beauty of Edmonton since 2015 in response to a call from the Mayor and City Council.
The theme in 2026 is the bison, who have long played a vital role here.
2026 Face of Edmonton Submissions
Comments included:
“Wonderful eye-catching art”
“All are beautiful designs”
“Love it!”
“Beautiful, true artistry!”
“This is a great contest. Well done 👏👏”
“Bison with magpie represents the Edmonton area best!”
“I like that both the city bird and the city animal are represented.”
“Clean impressive design for all peoples.”
“A magnificent animal and a super representative for the strength of Edmonton.”
“I prefer the bison with the magpie on its back. It is more focused.”
“Each has its strength. I like seeing the big bison best!”
The Bison & Magpie won with 72.7% of the votes. See the press release.
2025 Face of Edmonton Submissions
1. Coyote & Hare: The river in the "e" outlines a central coyote staring at a hare on the lower left while a creature looks over on the right. Bear, coyote, hare and beaver tracks encircle the "e". Edmonton was traditionally known as Beaver Hills House, which is ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᕀᐋᐧᐢᑲ ᐦᐃᑲᐣ in Cree syllabics .
2. Magpie & Sun: A magpie sails over the river valley chasing the sun. Known in Cree as apisci-kâhkâkî, its plumage represents duality. It mates for life and is considered a healer that plucks sickness from people as well as irritating insects from the backs of bison.
3. Circling Sturgeon: The return of lake sturgeon to the North Saskatchewan River after a long absence is depicted by a pair of sturgeon inside the "e". They allude to the Koi fish of a Chinese Yin Yang symbol, and are encircled by waves, ice rounds and seasons of change.
The magpie was selected as the favorite by 53.8% of responders, and is the 2025 Face of Edmonton as well as its City Bird.
The Magpie & Sun design was refined with the input of locals including Elders Jo-Ann and Jerry Saddleback and then screen printed on cotton-soft tees and custom stickers by Thinkwerx for local shops including EAC, TMK and Muttart Conservatory.
Comments included:
I absolutely love this image and what the Magpie reperesents. The image is eye catching and quite stunning. Hiy Hiy
I think this one is very nice, magpies are so common around Edmonton it seems they've become a kind of mascot for the city.
[The] images are beautiful and representative of the region. I slightly prefer the magpie image, as it captures movement and a "bird's-eye" view of the river valley.
It took me a bit to see the images [in the Coyote image]. I like the story though.
I think this is very well done. Very identifiable logo.
I like the addition of the tracks on the outer ring [of the Coyote image].
Beautiful.
Fun design
Interesting and subtle design, almost didn't realize the scene in the center [of the Coyote image], I do like this one as well although it may prove to be a little busy when presented in its final format. It is very creative and fun to look at as an art piece
2024 Face of Edmonton Submissions
Of the 3 submissions in 2024, "Beaver in bough (#1)" was selected by the public as the winner.
Tee with people's choice for 2024 Face of Edmonton
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Comments included:
Amazing
Beautiful!
I appreciate the legibility of option one.
I like its fluidity, the river, its reference to nature, and the inclusion of Cree syllabics. Colors are great too.
The design truly encompasses Edmonton and its history
The Cree name is literally "Beaver Hill House". So I think no. 2 is the most appropriate.
I prefer #1 because it delivers a clear message that I feel gets lots by complicating it with additional elements.
Beaver Mountain House= Beaver in House
Excellent design with so much detail about the culture of Edmonton.
I really like the heart design with so many stories in the design
I love the idea of a home which also covers the cultural and indigenous peoples’ philosophy.
This encompasses love and safety.
Lookin good
They are all beautiful, with the complexity of number 3 it’s hard to see the beaver.
They're all good.
Looks amazing
Great contest!
Process in a nutshell
Anyone is welcome to freely contribute images that celebrate this place.
Everyone is invited to vote and comment on their favorite.
We thank those who contribute, the proceeds will be used to support causes including the Orange Shirt Society.
Detailed process
Submissions of themes and images are welcome throughout the year.
Each autumn the submitted art is considered by independent designers and local leaders including from Indigenous communities.
Submissions are shared via our website, e-news and posters to obtain feedback and refine images through a co-creation process.
Voting takes place in the winter and the annual Face of Edmonton is selected by a public vote in the early spring.
Designs are then made available on merchandise at the TMK and Edmonton Arts Council shops and local attractions.
Submissions remain the property of whoever designed them, and they are free to use their designs however they wish.
Criteria for submissions
1. Reflect an authentic dimension of the region while also respecting reconciliation goals,
2. Accessible and safe for anyone, and
3. Presented as a single image and brief text for evaluation and feedback.
Our Consultation and Engagement Involves
1. First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples,
2. Art & Design community experts,
3. Business, government and charitable organization leaders, and
4. All Edmontonians are then invited to comment and vote on selected submissions.
Why submit an image?
1. Gain exposure of your design, imagery and events.
2. You own and can sell or license your compositions.
3. We offer to help produce & distribute merchandise and donate to a local charity from the proceeds.
4. You receive all proceeds if you make & distribute derivative merchandise, or at least half if we do.
Edmonton River provides visibility and connections, and is looking to give people new ways to appreciate this region.
Anyone is free to upload an image or sketch, feedback may be given and updates may be invited.
Evaluation
1. Submissions will be considered by artists, designers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
2. Criteria include originality, creativity, design excellence and relevance to the region's ancestry/diversity/aspirations.
Creatives should respect First Nations, Inuit and Métis artistic expressions, and Indigenous rights, views and cultural protocols.
Images should be original, indicating sources of inspiration; you may include an "e" shape with a river but there is no need to.
We do not accept submissions that are generated by AI programs such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, Dream, Imagen, Jasper or Nightcafe.
3. Submissions are circulated to civic and business leaders, Councillors and the Mayor for feedback.
4. The winning Face of Edmonton submission is decided by a public vote.
4. Creatives are expected to generate returns through product sales, we are also looking into organizing awards and a festival.
These shops sell our limited edition cotton T-shirts, hoodies, stickers and mugs:
Further details?
Contact us if you'd like to meet up to discuss this opportunity.
We welcome nominations for themes and novel artwork, with ownership being retained by the creatives involved.
For background on this independent self-funded project and our designs feel free to contact us.
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