Photo taken at the art competition exhibit opening and awards reception at Pico House Plaza.  In order from left to right: Norma Roque (Emcee and Reporter for Univision); (Julian’s mother); Julian Whitfield, Honorable Mention, Downey resident and senior at Columbus Continuation High School; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Entry Title: Technicolor Vocal Vomit); Hector Elizalde (Public Affairs and Community Relations Representative for the City of Vernon); Kara Medrano (Chair of the 2009 Organizing Committee and Legislative Analyst for Central Basin Municipal Water District); and Julian’s father.

Quote by Julian Whitfield; Honorable Mention;12th Grade, Columbus Continuation High School; Instructor DaLerna Wilcox;Technicolor Vocal Vomit; Acrylic.

“I believe music and art are my calling.  I see myself making a career out of art because it’s something I love and take very seriously. Right now, I am in a band called After the Broadcast and I create all the art for us, like album covers, T-shirt designs, and even redesign some of our band equipment.  It makes our shows unique because people get to hear our music while I display my art.

Art is important in our society because it lets us express ourselves without limitations. For example, if I wanted to draw something to reflect my opinion about the U.S. Government, I am free to do so.  Like Andy Warhol once said "Art is a crime you can get away with."

Technicolor Vocal Vomit represents freedom of speech through music.  It’s a metaphor:  Be the best person you can be and happiness will come to you.

This is my first time entering the student art competition, but I would highly encourage others to enter.  You never know what other people might think of your art and it’s a good way to get recognized.”