FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Kathy Hicks, a local photographer and graphic design artist, was chosen to create the poster for the 2009 Alabama Coastal BirdFest.

“Kathy is a very creative young lady. She created a distinctive and bold design for our 2009 poster using three of her great blue heron photos,” said John Borom, chairman of the event. “I think it’s going to be a very popular poster.”

A Baldwin County resident who grew up on the western shore of Mobile Bay, Hicks’ photography has won several awards, and has been used in Forbes, “Antique Road Show,” Science Daily, and Outdoor Alabama.

She is also an exclusive photographer for istockphoto.com. In 2004, Hicks designed the original logo for BirdFest, which is still in use today.

BirdFest will feature Hicks’ work twice. An exhibit of her photos will be on display at the Fairhope Public Library in October, with a reception during Fairhope’s First Friday ArtWalk on Oct. 2.

Later that month, she will present “A Gulf Coast Photo Journal” as part of BirdFest’s Opening Night Reception on Oct. 15, at 5 Rivers Delta Hall.

The sixth annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest is Oct. 15-18. Registration is now open at www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com.

Call (251) 625-0814 for more information.