The Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department recently hosted the 10th annual Financial Partners Credit Union Weekend of Art event, which welcomed artists of all ages. The event was held on March 14 and 15, 2025, in the newly renovated Los Alamitos Community Center. Management Analyst Megan Shimada and Recreation Manager Jason Bruton led this year’s extraordinary two-day event with support from Recreation Coordinator Gilberto Arteaga-Ceja and Recreation Specialists Mackenzie Dunlop and Kaylee Niles. Financial Partners Credit Union joined the event as the Title Sponsor. The Los Alamitos Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Commission presented the event, which was partnered with the Los Alamitos Unified School District PTA Reflections Committee.
This visual and performing arts exhibition honored 11 different mediums of art, including sculpture, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, photography, painting, drawing, fiber arts, woodworking, print, and mixed media.
The event began Friday, March 14, with judging and a portrait workshop at 5:00 p.m. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional art littered the lobby and activity rooms ranging from submissions as young as pre-k to older adults. The first day was open to public and provided a relaxing evening outing. Light beverages and a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruit were available for guests as they meandered through the exhibition. Financial Partners Credit Union had tables set up to assist any interested attendees with any banking needs.
They also invited attendees to participate in their art installation; it was a large backdrop inviting the community to paint their handprint in their company colors to form their signature company logo. At the end of the room, next to the free craft workshop, draped a giant projection screen with looped video playback for video submissions. The 16-foot by 20-foot stage was filled with painters, each one bringing life to their canvas through their interpretation of the model. The soft chatter filled the room and seemed to fast-forward time as the event seamlessly drew to a close at 8:00 p.m., inviting everyone back for the following day.
The event’s second half returned on Saturday, March 15, at 12:00 p.m. This day continued to feature artwork with the addition of performances and art vendors.
Throughout the day, performance groups were invited to showcase talent on the event stage. This year, nine performances, including musicians, dancers, vocalists, and more, were welcomed. The day concluded with the awards ceremony honoring the artists who submitted their work and a select few who won awards. Before the awards, Financial Partners Credit Union and keynote speaker Kyle Christianson took the stage to share a few inspiring words for rising artists.
Awards and certificates were given to first, second, and third-place winners for the 10 categories. In addition, a select few were able to win special categories, which included the Mayor’s Award, Commissioner’s Award, and People’s Choice Award. The panel of judges consisted of members from the Los Alamitos City Council and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission. Hunter Griffiths, Policy Advisor for Supervisor Janet Nguyen’s Office, joined Megan Shimada in presenting awards. The following award winners received a ribbon and a gift card from the Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster.
DISTINGUISHED AWARDS: Mayor’s Award: Lorena Tuinenburg – Archelon Commissioner’s Award: Sandi Candiotty – Reading Buddies People’s Choice Award: Laila Jean Davidson – The Old Barn
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: Los Alamitos High School: Logan Tjahjadi Crawford – Dying Empire Los Alamitos High School: Connor McGill – Mother and I Los Alamitos High School: Tira Rosen – Eye of the Leopard
TWO DIMENSIONAL AWARDS: Elementary Division (Pre-K-5th grade) Awards: First Place: Ashlynn Chow – Imperfection at Dusk Second Place: Atharv Arora – The Famous Imperfection Third Place: Anay Dhanadia – Whispers of Fall Middle School Division (6th-8th grade) Awards: First Place: Garrin Knapp – An Alluring Beauty Second Place: Hazel Marie – Stiches Third Place: Sofia Podkorytova – Golden Lake High School Division (9th-12th grade) Awards: First Place: Phyllisia Rosen – Pretty Women
Second Place: Rachel Kim – Returning to Love Third Place: Sean Massouni – There is No Imperfection Adult Division (High School Graduate+) Awards: First Place: Joyce Situ – WW2 Soldiers Listening to a Jukebox Second Place: Alyse Olivas – Mi Cultura Collage Oil Painting Third Place: Jeromy Furguiele – Meow, They Might Be God’s Older Adult Division (60+) Awards: First Place: Tricia Alexander – Grace Second Place: Beth Marie Nierman – Pier Perspective Third Place: Rosario Grint – Chavelle
THREE DIMENSIONAL AWARDS: Elementary Division (Pre-K-5th grade) Awards: First Place: Katelyn Ewing – Dimensional Transporter Second Place: Charlie Shimada – The Cheetah Jr. High School Division (6th-8th grade) Awards: First Place: Emily Woo – Hello Mr. Leopard Shark Second Place: Annmarie Ewing – Sunset of the Peacock Third Place: Stella Woods – Malayan Rainforest High School Division (9th-12th grade) Awards: First Place: Daniel Weber – Crooked Branches
Adult Division (High School Graduate+) Awards: First Place: Chris Hawkins – Horsh Second Place: Steban Retano – Handle with Care Third Place: David Patinella – French Onion Soup Older Adult Division (60+) Awards: First Place: Francis Manion – Morning Sunrise Second Place: Dan Gallagher – Wood Art Father & Daughter Third Place: Joan Manion – Cow Sweater
The City of Los Alamitos thanks Financial Partners Credit Union for their generous donation towards this year’s event. Weekend of Art celebrates a decade of appreciation for the arts. With approximately 1500 visitors and hundreds of submissions, the event continues to be a platform for local artists of all ages to share their passion. By providing a space for emerging and established artists, the City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department continues its commitment to nurture creativity and foster community engagement. Courtesy of the City of Los Alamitos.