DAPHNE, Ala. - The planning committee for the 23rd annual Jubilee Festival has been busy organizing the event, which takes place in Olde Towne Daphne Sept. 24-25. The official artwork, entitled “Pelican Racers,” was created by photographic artist Michael Thomas of Gulf Shores.

The work depicts two brown pelicans racing through the bay, enjoying an early morning swim. It is a mixture of digital painting that overlays several photographs, creating the appearance of a true painting.

Thomas has a long background in photography dating back 35 years when he was employed at a photo lab in Detroit, Mich. He worked in the darkroom developing film and enhancing images for the automotive industry. When digital photography technology was launched, he went to work for Meteor Photography and expanded his knowledge in the field. He relocated to Baldwin County two-and-a-half years ago and found a new way of living to further developed his creative abilities.

“I started working on paining digital photography using various programs when I moved here,” Thomas said. “I print the images on canvas so they will have the appearance of a painting.” He added that he prints his images a variety of items such as coasters and postcards.

Much of Thomas’ work can be found exhibited in the Fairhope Artists Gallery, Windmill Market, the Mobile Kangal Gallery and at LuLu’s Homeport Restaurant. Shea Dean, the chairman for the Jubilee Festival was having lunch at the Windmill Market when she discovered his work and asked him to submit some of his artwork to the committee for consideration.

His work has been awarded 3rd place in the Weeks Bay Foundation photo contest last year, plus an honorable mention. This year he received four honorable mentions in the contest.

“I take pictures every day,” said Thomas. “I travel around early in the morning and shoot from the American Legion pier in Fairhope, the Fairhope Municipal pier and Bon Secour. The pelicans were shot at the boat launch in Fairhope.”

Festival goers will be able to see more of Thomas’ work at the Jubilee Festival. His company, Mic Designs, will have a double booth set up showing and selling.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. There is no admission fee. For more information, visit www.eschamber.com or call 251-621-8222 or 251-928-6387.