For a second consecutive year, the Socorro Independent School district successfully hosted the Black History Month Art Contest, where more than 200 students from the Socorro, Ysleta, and Gadsden school districts celebrated African American achievements in the arts through their artistic visions.
The contest, sponsored by the SISD Fine Arts Department and the Theta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was an opportunity for elementary, middle school and high school students to showcase their artwork while learning about the significant contributions that African Americans have made in art, theater, dance, music, and literature.
Candace Printz, SISD assistant director of fine arts, said the competition encouraged students to research figures they may not have known about before.
“When you present these opportunities to kids, they learn and they educate the greater public,” Printz said. “Even the judges were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we never heard of these artists before!’ So, it brings to light prominent African Americans who are doing great things in the world, and they should be acknowledged.”
The cross-district contest included 242 eye-catching and engaging entries from students in El Paso and Anthony, N.M. First, second, and third-place winners were announced in the elementary, middle school, high school, and best of show divisions at the exhibition’s grand opening on Feb. 7 in the SISD District Service Center's lobby. Best of show winners received cash prizes courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Socorro High School senior, Liliana Reza, prepared for painting the portrait of American painter, Faith Ringgold, by researching Ringgold's career and several of her artworks. Faith Ringgold is a renowned artist and social activist, best known for her painted story quilts that combine painting, quilted fabric, and storytelling. Inspired by Ringgold's work, Reza painted Ringgold’s portrait in front of a quilt depicting her paintings on a cloth.
“I think there’s a lot of good artists in the African American culture,” said Reza, who won first place in the high school division. “I just discovered a lot more people in doing my research for the competition and I really admire those artists.”
Bristol Ilgen, a seventh-grader at SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School, won best of show in the middle school division for her drawing of musician Jimi Hendrix, titled "Music is for Everyone." The award included a $100 cash prize.
Ilgen created the portrait on her cell phone, drawing the left side of the picture in black and white and the right side in orange, red, and green hues to illustrate that music is a rainbow of colors.
“I’m glad people liked my art and that they saw something in it, and hopefully, they can be inspired by it,” Ilgen said.
Black History Month originated from historian Carter G. Woodson as a month-long celebration to honor the historical contributions of Black individuals.
Black History Month Art Contest entries will be displayed at the DSC throughout February.
2024 SISD Black History Month Art Contest Winners
Best of Show
Bristol Ilgen, 7th grade, SSG. Manuel R. Puentes MS
Middle School Division
1st Place – Alicia Estorga, 8th grade, William D. Slider Middle School
2nd Place – Vivian Vasquez, 8th grade, SSG. Manuel R. Puentes MS
3rd Place – Addison Adams-Payan, 7th grade, Spc. Rafael Hernando III MS
High School Division
1st Place – Liliana Reza, 12th grade, Socorro High School
3rd Place – Genesis Rodriguez, 12th grade, Pebble Hills High School