AIM FOR THE ART

Amazon and

As a community event, Hoopfest is about a lot more than just basketball. Which is why for the second year Hoopfest has partnered with Amazon on the Amazon Backboard Contest.

Local artists were given the chance to submit designs to be featured on backboards at this year’s event. Of the entries, 13 were selected and will be on display at courts in the parking lot of the Liberty Building at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Stevens.

“With more than 30 years of history in Spokane, Hoopfest holds a special place in the hearts of our community,” says Amazon’s Keri Pravitz, manager of community engagement and public policy. “Many of our Amazonians grew up with great memories of the tournament, as spectators, players and coaches. We’re proud to celebrate local artists at Hoopfest with such a unique tradition.”

Crystalynn Varozza

A wife and mother of four, Varozza has been working in design since 2015 with her brand Pollen and Pine Apparel.

“One thing that attracted me to this city was all the cool architecture. When thinking of Hoopfest, I wanted to create a design that incorporated basketball but also the city and state that hosts the event.”

Owen Hickman

A lifelong Spokanite, the 17-year-old Hickman is a graphic design student with a passion for art and basketball.

“Basketball has been a big part of my life, from watching Gonzaga with family and friends, to playing out in the streets on late summer nights and actually competing in Hoopfest a few times.”

Jonathan Witt

“I am really excited for Hoopfest this year,” says 11-year-old Witt, who will be taking part in the event as both a player and an artist, thanks to his cosmic Sharpie and colored pencil backboard design.

“Something that inspired me was the universe connecting to basketball and Hoopfest. There are a lot of little details on my backboard: the black lines inside the thicker purple ones all connect; the sun, planet and comets are all basketballs. When you take a closer look, the basketball comet contrails change colors.”

Henry Kujawski

An artist and athlete, 15-year-old Kujawski’s design was inspired by some of his favorite artists, Vexx and Gawx Art, as well as the art and design he sees around Spokane.

“My goal with this design was to make something that people found joy looking at and reminded them of the awesome city we call home. I tried to make a playful doodle full of Hoopfest- and Spokaneinspired drawings.”