A Wasilla man's winning design will decorate limited edition T-shirts and pins when the Hard Rock Cafe opens in Anchorage next spring.
Stefan Wilson, 43, won the restaurant's Calling All Artists contest with a design featuring a moose skull in front of an early summer Anchorage skyline between two guitars.
Wilson moved to Alaska from Tuscon, Ariz. 20 years ago to be closer to his wife's family. He started selling artwork in 2006 and says he was inspired by his father, a wildlife artist. In 2010, the Alaska Railroad commisioned a work from Wilson and he recently had a show in Phoenix.
During the day, Wilson works as a custodian at Larson Elementary in the Mat-Su Borough school district. At night, he focuses on his art, which brings in some $10,000 a year, he said.
Wilson said he is enjoying the experience and exposure of pairing with an international corporation like the Hard Rock Cafe.
"When I know it's something I really want to do, it gives me the opportunity to express my style," he said.
His design was picked by Hard Rock Cafe employees nationwide.
The Hard Rock Anchorage is planned for a 13,600-square-foot building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Benjamin Brasch at bbrasch@adn.com or 257-4349. Twitter: twitter.com/ben_brasch
By BENJAMIN S. BRASCH