The northeast San Fernando Valley is an “art nest” of musicians and visual artists who have celebrated their community by sharing their talent. While Ritchie Valens, Cheech Marin, and George Lopez are the most notable, there are others who have successful careers as visual artists, muralists who have given a boom to public art, writers, and musicians.
One notable program has been the City of San Fernando’s Mariachi Apprentice Program, which over the years has successfully supported hundreds of young musicians and provided students with a path to college and a career. Another opportunity that has provided a platform for high school students has been a congressional art competition facilitated by the Office of Representative Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) for young artists. Winners are recognized locally and in Washington DC at an annual awards ceremony.
The work of the first-place winners in each participating congressional district is displayed for one year in the United States Capitol.
Cárdenas announced this year’s winner: Daniela Vigil, a senior graduating from Mission Continuation High School, as the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition.
Honorable Mention: Ashley Rodríguez, junior at ArTES Magnet / Day of the Dead
“Each year, San Fernando Valley students submit works of art that are as inspiring as they are impressive,” Cardenas said. “I would like to congratulate our winner of this year’s Congressional Art Contest, Daniela Vigil, for her work ‘In Youth We Trust.’
“His artwork is already hanging in the halls of Congress and inspiring countless visitors from across the country.”
Daniela’s painting conveys the innocence of childhood, as well as the struggles that Latina girls face in their homes. Latinas are often expected to mature quickly and take on roles that cause them to lose their childhood.
The teddy bear in the painting represents innocence, and the way the subject holds the teddy bear represents the responsibilities he now has.
As a winner in California’s 29th Congressional District, Daniela visited Washington, DC to see her artwork displayed at the Capitol and received $1,000.
Other winners included ArTES High School senior Sarahi Lopez (second) for her painting, “Coalesce”; Beverly Regino (third) of Van Nuys High for her painting. “Is it Me? Esto es mio”; Joceline Tejeda (fourth) Arleta High senior for her drawing, “Recollection”; and Daniel Pearl Magnet senior Geraldine Suniga (fifth) for her painting, “A Bouquet of Me.”
“Each artwork submitted to the competition was a glimpse into the talent, thoughtfulness and creativity of the young artists in our community,” Cardenas said. “I appreciate all the students who participated this year; thank you for sharing your unique form of self-expression with us. The arts are a vital part of a well-rounded education and I hope this competition reminds students, teachers and parents of the importance of investing in the arts.”
The Congressional Art Contest began in 1982 to provide members of Congress with the opportunity to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, hundreds of thousands of high school students have participated in the national competition.
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