The Socorro Independent School District conducted its 4th annual What’s Poppin Pop-Art Contest and showcase Nov. 3 at the SISD District Service Center.
Pop-art is reflective of popular culture and can represent mass culture such as advertising, comic books, animated characters, and ordinary cultural objects.
The event featured bold, colorful artwork that highlighted items, ideas, and people in modern pop culture.
“This is awesome because prior to this a lot of the students weren’t all that familiar with the concept of pop art,” said SISD fine arts facilitator Macka Jones. “Now they learned about a new area of art, and they had some fun learning about it because all these kids know about pop culture.”
Nine students and three employees won in four divisions -- elementary, middle school, high school, and employee.
Alejandra Gallardo, an elementary art teacher, said she decided to participate for fun but also to set an example to her students to be involved within the community.
“I enjoyed making art with my students,” Gallardo said. “Making that connection is so important.”
The winners’ artwork was selected among more than 300 entries.
Vivian Vasquez, a seventh-grade student at SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School, was excited to be participating in her first district event.
“I was really interested in learning about pop art, and I got a lot of support from my teacher,” Vasquez said.
Arlette Almeraz, a junior at Americas High School, said she was excited to incorporate Spider-Man into her pop art piece.
“It is really awesome to have a place to showcase my work and be creative,” Almeraz said. “Contests like this really get my creative gears going.”
The art show is currently displayed in the District Service Center showcasing the talent and creativity of SISD artists.
The contest is one of many art competitions conducted by the district to allow students, as well as employees, an avenue to express themselves through artwork.
Winners of the 4th annual “What’s Poppin?!?” Pop-Art Contest
Elementary School Division
Barbara Sauza - 1st Place, Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary School, Teacher: Alicia Torres
Alize Guizar - 2nd Place, Escontrias STEAM Academy, Teacher: Sanjuana Perez
Abrielle Navariz - 3rd Place, Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary School, Teacher: Alicia Torres
Middle School Division
Lourdes Leonguerrero - 1st Place, Col. John O. Ensor Middle School, Teacher: Melissa Arellano
Savannah Campbell - 2nd Place, Ernesto Serna School, Teacher: Pat Vasquez
Andre Garcia - 3rd Place, William D. Slider Middle School, Teacher: Sindy Martinez
High School Division
Alejandra Reyes - 1st Place, Americas High School, Teacher: Samuel Munoz
Ellie Hernandez - 2nd Place, Montwood High School, Teacher: Joseph Mitchell
Jazlyn Tye-Spreitzer - 3rd Place, El Dorado High School, Teacher: Virginia Castaneda
Employee Division
Samuel Munoz - 1st Place, Americas High School
Lluvia Gonzalez - 2nd Place, Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School
Alejandra Gallardo - 3rd Place, Fine Arts Department
4th annual What’s Poppin Pop-Art Contest and showcase event photos
Published December 7, 2022
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