In a first for the magazine, The Walrus is asking readers to choose between two illustrations for the cover of its July/August issue. Both illustrations are by Guelph, Ont.-based cartoonist and book designer Seth, who is currently a book finalist for the 2010 Doug Wright Award.



Executive director of The Walrus Foundation and co-publisher of The Walrus Shelley Ambrose says the cover contest is partnered with RBC, which has sponsored cover artists for the magazine for the past year. “This year we have expanded their sponsorship program and are launching it with the cover contest,” says Ambrose.

Response to the contest has been unbelievable, says Ambrose with over 600 votes in the first two hours of it being announced. Seth has also donated signed and numbered prints of both illustrations, which are available for purchase through The Walrus Foundation. “That is the amazing thing,” says Ambrose. “One image will win, the other won’t be seen but you will be able to buy it.”

Voting for The Walrus RBC Readers’ Choice Cover Contest is open until May 6 at Walrusmagazine.com/readerschoice.

The Walrus is also hosting another edition of its popular The Walrus Eats series on April 6 with author Nino Ricci at Campbell House in Toronto.