Student Art Contest: Big Billboard on Bridge Street
Swift Printing is proud to announce Helen Koch, a sophomore at West Catholic High School, as the winner of our Student Artist Contest, created in honor of Swift Printing’s 75th year in business. Helen’s artwork is now featured on a full-size billboard at 428 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, where it will be displayed the first week of December.
The contest was launched during ArtPrize 2025 (14,000 template copies were shared with the community.) as a special way to celebrate Swift Printing’s milestone anniversary, inviting young artists from the community to dream big, design boldly, and envision their artwork on a real billboard.
A multi-talented student, Helen Koch is active in the arts at West Catholic High School. She plays the flute in the band, sings in the choir, performs in school theater productions, and loves drawing. When she’s not creating or performing, Helen can be found curled up with a good book and a cat on her lap.
“We wanted to celebrate our 75th anniversary by shining a spotlight on the next generation of artists,” said Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, President of Swift Printing. “Helen’s artwork radiates joy, originality and how in 75 years of business we're still “work in progress”, exactly the kind of energy we hoped this contest would highlight. We’re honored to showcase her talent on the WestSide.”
As Swift Printing marked 75 years of serving West Michigan, the company created this contest to blend its legacy of craftsmanship with a forward-looking commitment to creativity and community development. The Student Artist Contest was another fun way to celebrate the Swift Printing’s special milestone.
We had six overall winners. Each student won $75 dollars (or are getting it soon!)
Maple Kregel, Walker Charter Academy, Kindergarten,
Daisy Kregel, Walker Charter Academy, 3rd Grade,
Avery Sikkema, Hudsonville Christian School, 5th Grade,
Eliza Kauffman, Saint Anthony of Padua, 8th Grade,
Isabelle Remington, West Catholic, 12th Grade &
Our Grand Prize winner, Helen Koch, West Catholic, 10th Grade.
Why We Support Student Artists
At Swift Printing, print and design are in our DNA — and so is supporting the local community. Our business was born on the WestSide of Grand Rapids more than 75 years ago, and we’ve spent every decade since partnering with local schools, nonprofits, creators, and small businesses to bring ideas to life.
Investing in young artists is a natural extension of who we are.
“Art matters. Creativity matters. And giving students a real platform to shine matters,” says Walt Gutowski III, Vice President at Swift Printing. “We want these kids to know that their ideas can make an impact — not someday, but right now.”
Contests like this help students see the value of their own voice, and we’re proud to champion them.
Visit the Billboard & Celebrate Helen
If you’re near the WestSide this December, make a quick drive down Bridge Street to see Helen’s artwork on display. Snap a photo, share it online, and help celebrate our West Michigan student creators.
To Helen, to our additional winners, and to every student who submitted their work this year: thank you for sharing your creativity with us.
You make our community brighter, bolder, and more beautiful.
About Swift Printing
Swift Printing is a third-generation, family-owned print shop located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 1950, we’ve been committed to creativity, quality, and community — offering commercial print, large-format, mailing, and design services for West Michigan businesses and organizations.
