Jarritos Flavor City Winners—Congrats!

Jarritos opened up an art contest looking for community participation and innovative, creative expression. With over 150 entries they received some pretty fine artistic goodness. Some of the judges included: Mike Maxwell, Jeff Soto, Jesse Hernandez, URB Magazine, Tribal, myself and more. I always wish to be looking in on the process with everyone in one place at one time to see what really sparked each judge’s feelings behind each entry. (Above, Andrez J Wieteszka).

Super congratulations to Oscar Meza, Zofia Bogusz and Geraldine Said. Oh yes, and all of the entries, as Jarritos Flavor City never looked better. Here is a look at the winners and a couple pics of pieces I really loved. (Above, Minerva T).

First Place : Oscar Meza : Student, San Diego : CA
“What inspired my piece started off as some sketches on a pad. Being that Jarritos was founded in Mexico, I wanted my illustration to reflect that authenticity. It almost felt obvious to incorporate a Luchador. I wasn’t sure who I was drawing at the time; but ironically, some of my friends said that the character kind of looked like me.”

“Wining this competition has made my year. It is such an honor to have been chosen amongst the other great competitors. I feel very lucky and humble to have won. Winning the year supply of Jarritos has made my belly smile, and having my art published has fed my artistic ego. But to my surprise, the best part of winning thus far is making my friends and family proud!”

Second Place : Zofia Bogusz : New York, NY
Zofia Bogusz was born in Poland in the '80s. She lives and works in New York City, where she received a degree from the School of Visual Arts. Zofia regularly exhibits her art, and enjoys doing freelance illustration. Zofia paints women against bold and dramatic landscapes, in which natural elements such as water and sunlight color the dynamic between the individual and the external world. She strives to render the balance of effortless beauty and strength that exists within the female form. Zofia’s paintings are inspired by individual histories, memories, and experiences. Pop culture imagery also plays a crucial role in her work, creating a grounded sense of the everyday. Zofia’s mediums of choice are oil paint, graphite, and colored pencils on hand-cut wood.

Third Place- Geraldine Said : Mexico City
Geraldine Said is from Mexico City and has worked at Grey Mexico as the Art Director. Currently she is living in Los Angeles and helping her husband with his boutique Ariane. Since moving to Los Angeles, Geraldine has been doing freelance work. When she isn’t working she loves immersing herself in photography and her charity organization H.A.T.

Runner's Up—Florian Mihr, Andrez J Wieteska, Mildred, Minerva T, DFRNT, Ted Stanley and Kate Fitzgerrell. Congratulations to everyone. See you next year and thanks for including me as a judge, nice work.

Jarritos Flavor City Goodness

Yes, it’s true, after this weekend our summer days have moved directly into fall. But alas, there is a sweet pop to jump your bump and pep your step in the flavor that will brighten your day. Jarritos my friends! The Jarriotos Flavor City Art Contest is in its final 24 for your creative arts submissions. Of course you can jam your ideas through their mailslot, by entering to win no later than September 1 at 11:59PM. The contest entries can be seen over on FB and the winners will be announced at “First Fridays” in Abbott Kinney Venice Beach, Cali land. (There are some handsome entries, check em out!) Oh yes, and myself, Jeff Soto and some creative peoples from Southern Cali will be judging your goodness. Good lucks! Enjoy your holiday.

Comic-Con Booth 4833—artist exclusives

Comic-Con 2011 is moments away, officially kicking off on Tuesday with the installation of a new booth with Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson, Friday Night Art Reception, tShirt exclusives, art contests and all around goodness. Booth 4833 will be displaying one-of-a-kind zines, books and originals. And knowing that there are many choices throughout the San Diego Convention Center and beyond, I thought to provide a breakdown.

+++Booth No. 4833+++

Where all the magic happens. Ten years in the making, Murphy Fine Art books continues to collaborate with emerging creative talent. This year is no exception, offering signed books by Jeff Soto, Ray Caesar, Tim Hussey, Mark Murphy and more.

Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson will be offering one-of-a-kind prints, zines and comic novelties. After all, they have been creating award winning comics together for two decades and ever since they learned to draw.

+++Lucid Dreams Comic-Con Reception, Friday, July 22, 6—10PM+++

“Lucid Dreams” features 32 fine artists from around the world representing a variety of artistic pursuits including: comics, folk, surrealistic and the avante-garde. Artists include Mark and Esther, Marc Bell, Marc Burckhardt, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Jonathan Viner, Kevin Paulsen and many more. Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy will play host just minutes from the Convention Hall featuring great eats, drinks and nightlife. Sponsored by KANON organic vodka with guest thirst quencher Jarritos.

+++Comic-Con Exclusives+++

This year was a year for creative tShirt fashion. Ten years in the making, new tShirts will be offered at Comic-Con created by Mexcican designer Técui, Los Angeles based pervasive artist Gary Baseman and Brooklyn based fine artists Ryan Wallace and Joseph Hart. Screen Machine printed the goods and men’s and women’s sizes are available. Check ’em fast as they are sure to sell out quickly.

+++Framed Art Originals+++

Original art works, framed and prints will be made available in support of my earlier show “Plug Me.” Other-worldly creatures take an introspective look at worldly condition and jockey for survival. Stop by and take a look at over 50 original linoleum block prints, letterpress pieces and woodblock prints.

+++Lucid Dreams Gallery Hours+++

Yes, visual overload will be in full effect. Take a break from the ‘Con, enjoy an Italian soda or capuchino and head over to Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in Little Italy Wednesday through Sunday 12PM through 6PM each day with a Comic-Con reception on Friday from 6PM—10PM. Inspired work is available for your private art collection featuring 32 fine artists and over 70 original pieces. Florabella inspires with floral beauty, also a community sponsor.

+++O+ Positive Festival founder Kevin Paulsen+++

Saturday, July 23 please stop by Comic-Con Booth 4833 to learn more about the O+ Positive Festival created to assist creatives with healthcare and immediate health needs. Kevin Paulsen, from Kingston, NY has traveled to San Diego to share his vision, invite creatives to participate and join in. You can learn more here too.

+++Jarritos Flavor City Art Contest+++

Yes, there is information for an art contest available at Booth 4833 and it is open to all creatives who are looking for an opportunity to create an eye-catching work of art in any medium to express their flavo’ feelin’ of Jarritos. (You know that bold taste originated from the south of the border—lime, mandarin, mango and more. Check out the info here or stop by Booth 4833 and get the low down.

+++Community Goodness+++

I love Comic-Con and feel the need to represent. More and more folks that I meet from SD have yet to experience Comic-Con. Welcome to San Diego, a sleepy town that is happy to move you to the front of the line. Enjoy the town, enjoy the event and “put it in the bag!—Comic-Con.” “Oh yes! Stop by Booth 4833 and say hello! Mark, Esther, Natasha, Kevin, Jillian, Mark and Tasha want to say hey too. Plus we’ll sign some shizz.”