Peoria Designer Wins Contest to Create Grand Canyon License Plate

A graphic designer from Peoria has been chosen to create the artwork for a new Arizona specialty license plate honoring Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of the park, named Peter Malamas the winner of its plate design contest.

The organization announced the result on Thursday. Malamas' design came out on top in both the public online vote and the internal judging process. The plate is expected to become available to Arizona drivers in late 2027.

Malamas is a graphic designer, art director and illustrator who lives in Peoria. Over his career he has worked with a range of design firms, and he now works as a graphic designer and fine artist in the Greater Phoenix area.

He said he feels deeply honored by the selection. "Grand Canyon is a place that inspires awe, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the natural world," Malamas said. He added that celebrating the landscape through his art while helping generate support for its preservation is "truly meaningful."

Elizabeth Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy, praised the entrants as a group. "We were impressed by the creativity, talent, and passion demonstrated by the artists who participated in this contest," she said. She added that the conservancy looks forward to seeing his artwork help raise awareness and support for the park.

The Arizona Legislature authorized the new specialty plate in June 2026. When it goes on sale, drivers will be able to buy it for an extra $25 a year. Of that amount, $17 from each plate will go to the conservancy's work on behalf of the park.

According to the conservancy, the revenue will help pay for conservation, education, cultural preservation and visitor experience efforts at the park. Silkes said the plate means more than an attractive design. "It's an opportunity for Arizonans to proudly display their connection to Grand Canyon while making a lasting contribution to its preservation," she said.

The design still has one more hurdle before it reaches the road. It will go through the Arizona Department of Transportation's review and approval process, and officials said the state may require changes so the artwork meets its design and production requirements before the plate is finalized.