Minneapolis, June 4, 2008 – Minnesota Monthly magazine’s art director, Brian Johnson, has been awarded a Gold Award for spread design in the 23rd Annual National City and Regional Magazine Awards competition. The winning entry was from the feature story “Bitter Pill,” which appeared in the magazine’s May 2007 issue.

“I’m proud, but I’m not at all surprised,” said Minnesota Monthly editor Andrew Putz. “Brian is one of the most talented art directors working in city magazines today.”

Minnesota Monthly competes in the largest circulation category of the competition, which means that Johnson was vying for the award against designers from publications such as Texas Monthly, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

A copy of the winning spread is attached. (Download PDF)

More than 70 judges, representing such publications as Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, O, The Oprah Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Sports Illustrated, Fast Company, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Essence, Men’s Journal, The New York Times, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Folio, AARP The Magazine, Bon Appetit, Southern Living, ESPN The Magazine, The Washington Post, Country Home, Complex, The Chicago Tribune, The Writer, Fitness, and journalism professors from the Missouri School of Journalism selected the finalists.

The competition is open to the more than 90 members of CRMA and other city and regional magazines throughout North America. The contest is a 23-year-old national competition and is coordinated by the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Greenspring Media Group publishes Minnesota Monthly as well as several other magazines, including Midwest Home, Drinks, Real Food and multiple custom publications. In addition to the publishing segment of its business, Greenspring Media Group produces signature special events including the Twin Cities Food and Wine Experience, Fresh Taste Festival and Luxury Home Tours.