As Printmasters, a local print shop in Los Alamitos, wraps up the final rounds of their Student Art Contest, today they are proud to announce the winners of the 3rd topic, “What Does Community Mean To You?” This topic is particularly fitting in this 4-part competition, the purpose of which has been to help local students through creativity and philanthropy. The contest has brought uplifting stories of motivation from participants and will ultimately lead to the publishing of a book called “The Artists of Los Al.” Printmasters will be selling the book in order to donate proceeds to Casa Youth Shelter, The Youth Center, and LAEF (Los Alamitos Education Foundation). As you read the comments from the winners this round, we think you’ll agree that Printmasters’ goal of uplifting our local student community has truly worked.
Elementary Ages 6-8 Division
First Place: Aashna Patel
Aashna says “Our community is very beautiful and I love everyone in it. My teacher is my hero in my community. Mrs. Moushon is a fun teacher, I love to learn math, science and art from her.”
Second Place: Anya Nieblas
Anya says “I love art because it helps me show how I feel. I can be creative and draw new things. This is me jump-roping, that is my favorite thing to do at school.”
Elementary Ages 9-11 Division
First Place: Alistair Wu
Alistair, who has now won 3 First Place awards in this competition, says “I can’t believe I can win more than one prize in the art contest. I have enjoyed learning and experimenting in different styles of drawing and painting using various materials. The process is fun and challenging. I hope I can serve my community and raise social awareness of important issues through my artworks in the future.”
Second Place: Ellie Oh
Ellie says “I am very glad to be able to share what I love about my community and how I am grateful for the community members that encourage me and make me a better person. I hope everyone learns to be thankful for our everyday surroundings and to be grateful. I think it is really thoughtful of Printmasters to come up with these amazing art topics to really influence kids like me to think about the great things in life to be thankful for, and to have a chance to share with the public. I think art is a beautiful form of sending a message with creativity. “
Middle School Division
First Place: Alene Washington
Alene says “Painting has always been my favorite hobby to do in my free time because it is very relaxing and peaceful. I enjoy painting on the beach; with my watercolors next to me and listening to waves crash, which inspired this cool piece. By sharing my art with you all, I was hoping that it would spark joyful memories and remind us to continue to create these memories in spite of these times. I’m looking forward to all of us having a safe and awesome summer!”
Second Place: Emma Jimenez
Emma says “Since I was 4 years old, art has always been a passion of mine. Unfortunately, I never cared or knew how to improve my art skills, I just did it for fun. Art is my happy place. My aunt and uncle have really amazing drawing skills. I really love to draw as well, but wasn’t able to draw people as well as they did. That was until middle school came around and I chose Art as an elective. I almost didn’t enter the art contest because I wanted to draw a picture of myself but didn’t like how it turned out. After a few projects in my Art class, we were going to learn how to make self-portraits. I WAS TERRIFIED!!! The first drawing I made looked so weird, but then my teacher taught us the basics and I was able to make what you see today. My point is, art will always have a special place in my heart, but drawing portraits will always be more special to me. I wanted to say THANK YOU to my Art teacher and Printmasters for building my confidence!”
High School Division
First Place: Breanna Segura
Breanna says “Art is very important to me, it distracts me from the negative things going on in the world and allows me to express my feelings. You’re able to create anything your mind wants and I love the sense of freedom art provides. This art contest was super fun to me and I’m happy I got to participate, it allowed me to have fun despite the current circumstances going on with the pandemic!”
Second Place: Jeya Suwanwanitch
Jeya says “Before creating my piece, “March 17 Wednesday 4:15 AM,” I was faced with a massive artistic burnout. My right hand had just recovered from overuse pain, but drawing never felt the same since. I didn’t stop drawing, but every moment felt like I was on autopilot mode. I kept drawing because it was for other people and not me. It made me sad to see all my creative drive had left. All my concepts seemed bland, and I started feeling pessimistic about my artistic dream. Then on one morning, my teacher, Mr. Long, announced the Print Masters contest on google classroom. At first, I thought, “It’s futile, I shouldn’t bother,” but I checked it out anyway. The prompt, “Community,” was so vague and personal that it allowed me to draw something therapeutic for myself and still turn in the piece as an extra opportunity. The thought of creating without many constraints made me the happiest in months. I may have won a place in this contest, but more importantly, the joy of creating art unpressured returned to my conscience.”
Everyone at Printmasters congratulates this round of winners! If you are interested in more information about the upcoming “Artists Of Los Al” book and the Non-Profit Charity donations, please contact us at 562-493-4547 or design@printmasterlosal.com. Thank You!
