Arts Quincy Announces Winners of Cake Decorating & Floral Competition

DOGWOOD ARTS BRUNCH RAISES FUNDS FOR ARTS ED
​Arts Quincy's Live Cake Decorating Competition was the feature entertainment during the Dogwood Arts Brunch at Quincy Country Club on Sunday, May 1. This year's theme was “May Day at Dogwood.”
 
In just over one-hour, cake decorators created some of the most stunning works of cake art and Bethany Bristol Coulson with Underbrink’s Bakery was declared Quincy's Best Cake Designer as well as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Although this is Coulson’s first time competing in the live event, Underbrink’s has won the title “Grand Champion” three times in a row!

 
"This friendly contest serves as an opportunity for competitors to showcase their talents and creativity, test their skills and step out of their comfort zones with new techniques," says Laura Sievert, Arts Quincy's Executive Director.
 
At the end of the contest, the cakes were judged and decorators were awarded coveted titles. Additional awards went to Christi Vogel with Krazy Cakes Bakery & Café for second place and Beth Kurfman with Hy-Vee’s Bakery on Harrison received third place along with the Director’s Choice Award. The Best Theme went to Julie Miller with The Yum Factory.
 
“It is a very fun event and proceeds support our mission to increase access and connect people to Quincy's vibrant fine arts and culture community,” Sievert explained. This year’s Brunch will specifically help create the funds to sponsor the new After School Art Pilot Program at Quincy elementary schools.
 
“We’re piloting a new free after school art program at all five public schools plus Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and St. Dominic Catholic School, and we’d like to expand that footprint even further next year. Events like this keep the program series free for all students and create so much access.”

Sievert says that the demand for this kind of program is extraordinarily high, “We had 81 kids sign up for just 20 spots in the program at Baldwin Elementary School this year, for example. The need and interest from parents and students is astounding, and with community support, Arts Quincy will work to meet that need.”
 
In addition to the cake competition, there was a floral arrangement contest. Quincy’s Most Creative Floral Designer went to Mike Holtschlag with Holtschlag Florist, the People’s Choice Award and second place went to Robin Henehan with The Flower Girl of Quincy. Karen Wellman with Wellman Florist & Greenhouse and Lorie Minor with Hy-Vee’s Floral Department on Harrison tied for third place. Wellman also received the Director’s Choice Award.
 
Businesses participating in the cake decorating competition include (alphabetically) Hy-Vee Bakery (Harrison), Krazy Cakes, The Yum Factory and Underbrinks Bakery. Businesses participating in the floral contest include (alphabetically) County Market (24th Street), Holtschlag Florist, Hy-Vee (Harrison), The Flower Girl of Quincy and Wellman Florist and Greenhouse.
 
Guests were treated to delicious brunch bites, a coffee and mimosa bar and more! Children made May Day Pinwheels in the Craft Corner sponsored by Brumbaugh Tree Service.
 
Arts Quincy would like to thank everyone who attended the event as well as donors and sponsors. The Silent Auction featured a painting of a dogwood tree by local artist Jaycie Womack Spake, a dogwood tree provided by Bergman Nurseries and Emerald City Jewelers donated a Mother’s Day pendant. This event was sponsored by State Street Bank, WGEM, and the Herald-Whig.
 
To learn more, visit artsquincy.org or for more information, call 217-222-3432 or email [email protected].