Earlier this year, City News Group published a few stories about local high school teacher Dave Salas and comic creator Gerald Gaitan. We unveiled their stories and the history that they shared with some of the greatest animators to ever draw. We were able to hear and learn about each of the animators that crossed paths with these two gentleman and how much they impacted their lives.
From Ward Kimball to Alice Davis, and from Frank and Ollie to Andres Deja. Each of these animators impacted our lives whether we know it or not. These iconic men and women created some of the most loved, and yes even hated characters. We experienced the stories of Ward and Walt, the man with the love of trains, and even felt the connection with Alice Davis and her passion for costume design.
With those stories inspiring everyone in the community, City News Group partnered up with Gaitan and Salas and held a drawing contest. We asked the local young artists from each of our six communities to submit their favorite Disney characters in whatever medium they chose. We are extremely proud of all of those that entered and are honored to announce the winners that have been selected.
In first place: Selena Cordar. Selena is a junior at Colton High School with a passion for “Alice in Wonderland.” She submitted a carefully sketched portrait of her interpretation of the things that fascinate her in “Alice in Wonderland.” She used pencil and colored pencils to help create this amazing drawing. Selena tells City News Group, “Art lets me express what I feel with pencils and pens instead of with words.”
In second place: Celest Ortiz Gaeta. Celest is in the 4th grade at Terrace View Elementary. Her submission of Lilo from “Lilo and Stitch” was extremely well done and had the colors jumping off of the page. She used markers and paint for her creation. Celest has a passion for art as she explained, “it relaxes me when I’m angry or sad and it helps me express my emotions.”
In third place: Marley Mendoza. Marley is currently a 5th grader at Grand Terrace Elementary. She submitted her adorable interpretation of Lady from “Lady and the Tramp.” She used color pencils to really bring Lady to life. When asked why she loves art Marley told us, “Art relaxes me and is one of my passions.”
In fourth place: JennaRose Reyna. JennaRose is currently a freshman at Valley View High School. Her submission of Carl and Ellie showed the loved shared between one of Disney’s most beloved couples. She used watercolors and colored pencils to capture their cuteness. JennaRose expressed her passion for art, “I love it because there is no limit, I hope to pursue a career that involves art.”
Once again congratulations to these amazing young artists on taking part and winning in the contest!