The Pasadena Tournament of Roses on Wednesday announced winners of its first-ever Día de los Muertos art competition, a celebration of art. The competition was held in partnership with; Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, Pasadena City Councilmember John Kennedy and the Roybal Foundation.
“When it comes to traditions, festivities and flowers – we get the appeal!” said Tournament of Roses President Bob Miller. “As an organization that’s all about a rose, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses can appreciate that the Día de los Muertos marigold holds such a prestigious place in the 3,000 year old celebration, that originated in Mexico.”
More than $6,000 in scholarships and cash awards will be presented in three age categories. Cash awards will be presented in the 4-8 and 9-13 age categories. Scholarships will be presented in the 14 to 18 age category.
Additionally, the Tournament of Roses has partnered with ScholarShare 529, California’s official college savings plan, to provide the parents or legal guardians of the winners with an opportunity to open a college savings account with their cash award.
We would like to thank our art competition judges for their time in viewing more than 300 entries. The submissions showcased the traditions of Día de los Muertos and the artistic talent in numerous artforms, including drawing, face painting, poetry and more.
“It was an honor to have been asked to serve as one of the judges for the Dia de los Muertos art competition,” said John Kennedy. “It was obvious to me that all of the students put their heart in the activity. So, in a real sense, all of the students who participated by providing original art are winners. Additionally, I congratulate the highest scoring students. Bravo! “
2020 Tournament of Roses Dia de los Muertos art competition judges:
Ambassador Marcela Celorio, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles
In 2019 Ms. Celorio took office as Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles. Her diplomatic work has been distinguished by her commitment to achieve dialogue between cultures. In that sense, from Los Angeles she has fostered intergenerational and intercultural understanding between Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and the United States. Born in Mexico City, Ms. Celorio has a distinguished career in foreign relations, including serving with the Mexican Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Attaché, Chief of Staff for the Mexican Embassy in Washington D.C. and Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.
John J. Kennedy, Pasadena City Councilmember
In 2013, John J. Kennedy was elected to serve as a Councilmember representing District 3 in the City of Pasadena, California, where he also currently serves on the Finance Committee, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and as one of three City representatives to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.
Political involvement and extensive world travel have garnered him a keen understanding of local, national and international government practices and procedures. Much of his spare time is committed to community organizing and working to elect and support political candidates.
Ana Pescador, Art Curator
For over 20 years, Ms. Pescador has had extensive experience in the fields of executive museum management and curation and senior art teaching. Her expertise is in designing diverse cultural projects, leading engaging artistic displays for permanent and traveling art collections for in-person experiences and virtual enjoyment. Ms. Pescador’s experience includes working with The Latino Museum of History, Art & Culture, US Embassies: Mexico, Bolivia and Chile, the Archdioceses of Los Angeles, and the Roybal Foundation Gallery space.
Winners of the 2020 Tournament of Roses Dia de los Muertos art competition:
Age Group: 4-8 years
First: Anaya Rossman Velazquez, age 6 – ofrenda
Second: Annamarie Banuelos, age 6 – ofrenda
Third: Itzel Castaneda, age 7 – sugar skulls
Fourth: Adrian Olvera – Sugar Skulls and Donovan Tejada, age 8 – art
Honorable Mention 1: Valentina Miramontes, age 6 – art
Honorable Mention 2: Athena Aragon, age 7 – art
Age Group: 9-13 years
First: Aurora Patlan, age 11 – song
Second: Aiden Castro, age 11 – calavera
Third: Malia Ujiki, age 13 – art
Fourth: Edwin Larios Guzman, age 13 – ofrenda/face paint
Honorable Mention 1: April Gonzalez, age 12 – art
Honorable Mention 2: Shirley Santigo, age 12 – ofrenda
Age Group 14-18 years
First: Diego Huizar, age 16 – ofrenda
Second: Isabel Pan – art
Third: Samantha Reynoso, age 16 – face paint
Fourth: Juliana Atikian Aviles, 10th grade – art
Honorable Mention 1: Astrid Osses, 10th grade – art
Honorable Mention 2: Esther Liu – art
To view winning submissions, please visit the Rose Parade account on Instagram.
