Luz Gonzalez and her fellow students. Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — From 1,445 entries, the “surfing strawberries” design of 12-year-old Luz Gonzalez from Robert Frank Intermediate School in Oxnard was selected as the winner of the 33rd Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest.
Festival representatives on April 19 orchestrated a surprise pizza party and award presentation with her entire 6th grade class to celebrate the announcement. Gonzalez received a $100 gift certificate and a framed presentation of her design which will also be showcased before a crowd of thousands at the California Strawberry Festival May 21 and 22. Her teacher, Christine Simonson was awarded a $50 gift certificate. Every one of the thousands of students who participated from school districts throughout Ventura County — kindergarten to sixth grade — will receive a free Festival ticket as an appreciation for their efforts.
Gonzalez’s colorful winning masterpiece features two surfing strawberries donning baseball hats catching a wave while their berry friend cheers them on from the shoreline. A shining sun and birds adorn the sky. To create the design, Gonzalez used her imagination and positive outlook for the concept, and went to task with markers, colored pencils and crayons. The art project was a self-motivated volunteer endeavor, permitted only after regular class work was completed. Students were invited to use their creativity to express the Festival’s atmosphere and what the event means to the community. “Art and science and reading are her favorite subjects” says proud teacher Simonson.
“The Youth Art Design contest offers a unique way to spread awareness of a celebration that pays tribute to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and gives back to communities,” says Festival Chairperson Kim Gibas. “Art offers a medium of expression that really connects with kids.”
California Strawberry Festival general admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8, and children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. Hours are 10:am to 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at www.strawberry-fest.org. The California Strawberry Festival toll free information line is 888 288-9242.
- Visit us: http://www.strawberry-fest.org
- Like us: http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaStrawberryFestival
- Follow us: http://twitter.com/CAStrawFestival
- See us: http://instagram.com/castrawberryfest
- Hashtags: @CAStrawFestival and @CAStrawberryFestival
Principal Dr. Liam Joyce , from left, Luz Gonzalez and teacher Christine Simonson. Courtesy photo.