Photo taken at the art competition exhibit opening and awards reception at Pico House Plaza.  In order from left to right: Haidé Gamboa (Bellflower HS Art Instructor); Victoria Parks, Bellflower resident and freshman at Bellflower High School; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (competition’s honorary chair); Entry Title: Peace and Life; Robert Andrade (General Manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument); and Kara Medrano (Chair of the 2009 Organizing Committee and Legislative Analyst for Central Basin Municipal Water District).

Quote by Victoria Parks; Honorable Mention; 9th Grade; Bellflower High School; Instructor Haidé Gamboa; Peace and Life, Photography

“Art helps me express my emotions without boundaries or fear.  I started drawing and painting in middle school.  About three years ago, I decided to take Miss Gamboa’s photography class to try something new and I really enjoyed it.

My photograph, entitled Peace and Life, combines peacefulness with the life of a teenager.  The leaves on the tree symbolize the tranquility in our lives while the young woman represents the style and attitude of a teenager.  The cow brings out the youthful charm of the girl.

This competition gives us the feeling of accomplishment and inspires us to pursue art.  It also gives us an opportunity show what good artists we are.  After graduation, I plan to attend college, pursuing my artistic interests.”