When junior Nicole Hao tried to enter a Los Gatos Street Pole Banner Artwork Competition last spring centered on the theme “You Belong in Los Gatos,” she ran into a major obstacle: Organizers said she couldn’t participate because she doesn’t live in Los Gatos.
Organizers relented when she told them she often shops in downtown Los Gatos. Those same organizers later recognized her as the winner of the competition in early May. As a result, her artwork is being displayed on street banners in Los Gatos, and she also took home a cash prize of $500.
At age 3, Hao said she developed a love and passion for art and she has stuck with it ever since. During the pandemic, she wanted to expand into different mediums beyond her typical life sketching and painting, leading her to discover digital art.
Hao said her piece took about a week and a half for her to create, as she already had a concept in mind.
“I really wanted to emphasize the community of Los Gatos and the beauty of downtown,” Hao said.
She specifically highlighted the diversity and the idea that anyone can belong in Los Gatos.
Hao said she was more excited than anxious to find out the results, because she knew this opportunity was good for her art experience. At last, she received an email on May 2, a week after the deadline, and it revealed she had won first place.
Following her win, Hao discussed with the organizers about how to better showcase each aspect of her art piece. Finally, they decided to split her drawing into four pieces to display on the banners. Her overwhelming feeling of joy allowed her to realize the magnitude of her accomplishment.
“My main takeaway would be being more connected to my art environment and our community, because I’ve been able to interact at least with this competition and have my art out there in the world,” she said.
(⊙o⊙)？ • Sep 12, 2024 at 1:19 am
omg this is crazy!!!!