Santa Barbara Sister Cities Young Artists Showcase Announces 2022 Award Winners

By Bonnie Carroll

A large crowd of Santa Barbara Sister Cities members, friends and young artists gathered at the home of Gil and Marti Garcia, long-time board members of the Santa Barbara – Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee, to participate in the reception, viewing and judging of the Sister Cities 2022 Young Artist Showcase. The Theme for the competition was Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water for All, where thirty-nine area students, ages 13-18, submitted their art with written descriptions for consideration.

Winning artists included 1st place, Itzel Arrellano Rocha $250 prize, 2nd place, Chloe Copeland $150, 3rd place Veronique Durham $100, and Honorable mention to Celia Louis and Hannah Lovejoy. Winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara International Sister Cities. Oscar Gutierrez, from SBTV, Santa Barbara City Councilman, and a member of the SB/PV Committee did a great job documenting the Young Artists Showcase and award presentation. Sponsors for the artist prizes included Pacific Premier Bank and Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee.

Local judges Kathy Koury, and Ann Hefferman said it was a challenge to reach the final selections due to so many submissions this year and the insightful representation of the theme by the students. Guests reviewed the art works and relaxed on the verandah to learn the final cash prize award winners. The winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara Sister Cities.

1st Place Winner Itzel Arrellano Rocha

The 2022 Young Artists Showcase theme selected was climate, which has become an undeniably harsh reality in our lives. As temperatures rise, water patterns are disrupted, ecosystems are disturbed, cultures are affected, and energy resources are proven to be unsustainable for long-term use. These ongoing changes impact our local and global communities on every aspect, and youth are the key to tackle this global reality. Event hosts Marti and Gil Garcia commended and thanked all the area art teachers who assisted the young artists with their outstanding work.

Carter Jasiorkowsky, a Goleta Vallely Junior High student, and proud Mom showing his art.

Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. Current Santa Barbara Sister Cities include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Toba, Japan, Patras, Greece, Weihai, China, Kotor, Montenegro, San Juan, Philippines.

For information visit: https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/brdcomm/nz/sistercity/cities/default.asp.