Gingerbread Invitational

Sweet, sweet competition.

The Annual Gingerbread Invitational is an exhibition of artful gingerbread creations by baking enthusiasts and community members of all skill levels. Make a visit to The Rockwell part of your family’s holiday tradition by casting your vote for the Community Choice Award! Plus, find seasonal gingerbread-themed activities for kids throughout the Museum and Art Lab.

This community program is made possible with support from LeChase Construction Services, LLC.

"Books and Beyond" by Tuscarora Elementary Art Club

Allysa Quealy, Marshall Buchillon, Atreyu Walker, Abel Walker, Charlee Rowe, Cherokee VanCise, Bayleigh Monroe, Riley McCaig, Hailee Richmond, Owen Losey, Paige Abbott, Bailey Burrows, Samantha Clark and Tuscarora Elementary Advisors: Sarah Gerow and Nicole Walker.

"From Coral Frags to Fishes: Underwater Magic" By Sarah Golden

"AHA! Art" by Paula A. Stark

"Fairytale Stories for Gingerbread Kids" by Julie Paschal and Christina Steffanus.

"Once Upon a Time…" by Tiffany and Madelyn Palm

"Fantasy Books–Sparks of Imagination" by Marie Roller, Emma Burns and Gavin Burns.

"Gingerbread Inception" by Kathryn and Alejandro Aguilar

Images from 2022 Gingerbread Invitational. Molly Cagwin Photography.

HOW IT WORKS

• Individuals or teams submit design applications, responding to a unique annual theme.
• Up to 12 submissions are selected to be featured in the Gingerbread Invitational exhibition – each artist/team has approximately 1 month to create their design and drop it off at The Rockwell Museum. Each team is awarded a $50 honorarium to help compensate them for their materials.
• Once the exhibition opens for the season (approximately Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day), visitors to The Rockwell vote for their favorite gingerbread creations–the winner of the coveted Community Choice Award announced in January takes home a $500 prize and a hand-crafted trophy by ceramic artist Colleen McCall.

GET INVOLVED 

This year, Rockwell programming and exhibitions revolve around the theme of Spark! From Inspiration to Creation. In this spirit, we’re inviting bakers to design festive gingerbread creations of a place, person or object that inspires you–whatever sparks your curiosity and imagination!

DOWNLOAD: Gingerbread Invitational – 2022 Rules and Application

Past Exhibitions + Winners

Gingerbread Invitational 2022: Spark! From Inspiration to Creation
Photo Album

Gingerbread Invitational 2021: Environments Examined
Photo Album

Community Choice Award: Julie Paschal and Christina Steffanus | “Isn’t Gingerbread Gorge-eous!”

Gingerbread Invitational 2020: Advancing Women

Community Choice Award: Graham Ottoson | “The Old Woman Gets a Clue”

Gingerbread Invitational 2019: My Dream Home
Photo Album

Community Choice Award: Lindsay Traver | “Tudor Revival”

Gingerbread Invitational 2018: Fantastical Future 
Photo Album

First Place: Gina Traylor, Lauren Milano, Mary Milano | “Wegmans 2116”
Second Place: Tuscarora Elementary Art Club | “The Future of Addison CSD”
Third Place: Kristen Merritt, Amanda Gantert, Christopher Knitter | “Civic Center on the Hill”
Community Choice Award: Tuscarora Elementary Art Club | “The Future of Addison CSD”

Gingerbread Invitational 2017 
Photo Album

First Place: Ryan Anderson, in partnership with Card Carrying Books and Gifts | Susan B. Anthony House, Rochester, NY
Second Place: LaDonna Costello, Eldridge Park Carousel of Elmira, NY
Third Place: Kristen Merritt, Christopher Knitter, Amanda Gantert | Elmira Heights Theater
Community Choice Award: Ryan Anderson, in partnership with Card Carrying Books and Gifts | Susan B. Anthony House, Rochester, NY