The photo was taken on stage after Johnell was announced the first place winner at the art competition reception exhibit opening and awards reception at Pico House Plaza.  In order from left to right: Debbie Hoover (Finance Chair for the 2009 Organizing Committee); Bell Gardens Mayor Priscilla Flores; Dan Madison (Mayfair High School Art Instructor); Johnell Hipol (first place winner); Nelly Hipol (mother of Johnell); Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (the competition’s honorary chair); Kara Medrano (chair for the 2009 Organizing Committee and Legislative Analyst for Central Basin Municipal Water District.)

Quote by Johnell Hipol;12th Grade; Mayfair High School; Instructor Daniel Madison; Viva La Vida; Markers & Pencils; 1st Place.

“Art as self-expression lets us be spontaneous and think outside of the box.  In my artwork, I have highlighted the significance of family in my own way.

Using the warm and passionate images of family and combining that with the vibrant colors from Latin and Hispanic art, I am telling a story about the importance and the value of family.  The patterns and designs throughout my image were inspired by the happy-go-lucky rhythms and beats in various types of music.  Particularly, the sun in the background was a symbol of ancient Aztec and Mayan art, which is still used in today’s society.

I started creating art in the 9th grade.  At first it was a hobby, but recently I have started imagining that it could turn into a career for me.  In the future, I would like to have a job in character design, where I can bring a drawing to life by creating a personality or a story.

The Congressional Student Art Competition is a good way to show the importance of art.  Of course, it is great to get a scholarship, especially right now.  But although this is a big competition, in the end it is about the experience.  This is an opportunity to let people know that we are good artists.”