Since North Shore Boulangerie opened at 4401 N. Oakland Ave. in 2014, it’s become a tradition to display a beautiful holiday scene made from gingerbread in the bakery’s front window.
Over the years, the displays have varied widely in theme and style. Some have featured work from experienced pastry chefs, while others have showcased the up-and-coming talents of culinary students from MATC or WCTC. But every single one has been masterful at capturing the inherent magic of the holiday season.
For the 11th year running, North Shore Boulangerie is putting out its feelers for a new gingerbread artist to create their annual holiday display. In fact, Owner Gene Webb will be taking submissions for designs beginning now through Aug. 18.
The winning pastry artist will receive $2,000 in prize money and the opportunity to have their design featured at North Shore Boulangerie throughout the holiday season. (All expenses to create the gingerbread display will be covered by North Shore Boulangerie).
Do you have what it takes?
Consider these requirements before submitting your plans:
- Entrants should be well versed in both baking and decorating with experience designing and building sound gingerbread structures.
- The display area for the gingerbread display is 11 feet long by 4 feet wide. The display can be composed of multiple smaller pieces. Both one-foot and two-foot high display pedestals are available for use. Electrical outlets are available.
- Extra consideration will be given to designs that feature motion built-in. Motorized turntables and ceiling-mounted motors are available.
- Additional consideration will also be given to bakery product placement. Products include gingerbread men, boxed Christmas cookies and macarons.
- All designs should include scaled sketches, a color palette for the project and material designations (gingerbread, candy, frosting, etc.)
- If your design is among those selected as finalists, you will be required to produce a portfolio of past work and participate in an in-person interview.
All designs must be emailed to North Shore Boulangerie at northshoreboulangerie@gmail.com on or before Sunday, Aug. 18.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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