2023 Balloon Fiesta Official Serigraph Poster Created by Internationally Recognized American Painter with Unique Tie to Event

August 16, 2023

Poster brings event to life, capturing Albuquerque's beauty

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has released the fan-favorite collectible item, the Official Balloon Fiesta Serigraph Poster. This year’s edition was painted by Kevin A. Short, an internationally recognized American painter and printmaker. Mr. Short has a number of connections to the Balloon Fiesta. In addition to being one of the youngest pilots to fly in the event; his mother Gail Short was a Balloon Fiesta board member for five years and a past president of the organization in 1984; and, he was a creator of the original “Fiesta” hot air balloon.

Short, formally trained in oil painting, studied at the University of New Mexico, Pepperdine University and the Art Center College of Design. His passion for ballooning and art led him to take his first job at the AERCO Hot AIR Balloon Port, under the mentorship of ballooning pioneer Bob Ruppenthal. Together, Kevin and Bob designed the iconic AERCO logo and constructed the experimental hot air balloon that would become the first of the series of the celebrated “Fiesta” balloons you see flying today.

He is also known for his captivating modern landscapes of the American Southwest and Pacific Coast and his work is included in the permanent collections of many notable institutions, such as the Irvine and Hilbert Museums.

Short’s artwork for the 2023 Balloon Fiesta poster depicts a scene of balloons floating over Albuquerque, with notable landmarks such as the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains in the background. The collectible item is available for purchase at Balloon Fiesta’s Gift Shop, located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM and online at www.balloonfiestastuff.com. Guests will be able to purchase this art at Official Balloon Fiesta Merchandise Tents during the event as well.

This year’s poster is the first, following a five-part series leading up to the 50^th event.

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, powered by ExxonMobil is a festival of hot air balloons that takes place in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. The 2022 event generated $203.19 Million into the Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico economies. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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