By McKenna Beery
Staff Writer
Since Vans shoes came out in 1966, the company has been making an impact on the community. Through the contests and interactive events it offers, Vans has expanded and increased its diversity of customers.
Vans Custom Culture is a national shoe customization contest in which high schools from across the United States compete for a chance to win money for their art programs. Each school received four pairs of blank Vans sneakers to be customized by students in four themes: Art, Music, Action Sports and Local Flavor.
“I think it’s interesting for students to have a feel for how their artistic skills can be translated into a career,” art teacher Katherine Martin said. “It is also a nice tie-in to careers and to demonstrate how they can use their skills outside the classroom.”
Martin has entered Costa’s Art Program into the Vans Custom Culture contest for the past three years. Two hundred Costa art students entered the contest and drew their designs on a paper print out. They were allowed to design the shoe however they pleased, using any of the various styles of shoes allowed in the contest.
The top four students from Costa will transfer their designs onto Vans shoes, and a picture will be sent in to the Vans judging committee.
“After all the students finish, all the other art teachers and I will sit down and pick out the top four most successful designs,” Martin said. “This is a very difficult task, however, because Mira Costa art students have so much talent.”
The top four designs from every entered school will be displayed at the U.S. Open Surf in Huntington Beach. People that visit the Vans booth will vote for the shoe they believe should win the contest. The top five national finalists will be flown to New York City in June for an exclusive final event where the winner will be selected. The winning school will receive a $50,000 grand prize for their art program and the chance for their shoes to be produced and sold in Vans’ retail stores across the nation.
The first, second and third-place shoes will be displayed and sold in Vans stores across the country.
“I think it would be so cool to see one of my self-designed shoes displayed for everyone to vote on in New York City,” senior Aeilani Licas said. “It would really inspire me to go farther with my art career in the future.”
The four runner-up designers will also receive money for their schools’ art programs. If Costa wins, according to Martin, it will use the money to support the art program, purchase new equipment and put on art shows.
“I am very glad Martin entered the contest because I think it would be great to have the chance to win $50,000 that goes solely to our school’s art program,” senior Cara Woolrich said. “With the potential improvements we could make on our art program if we win, I would be able to focus even more on art, which is such an important part of life and helps me express myself visually.”
There has never been any local contest winners. The winners are usually from out of state; however, Mira Costa reached the semifinals in 2012.
“I really feel that Mira Costa has a chance to make it to the semi-finals once again this year,” Woolrich said. “Everyone has their own unique artisitc style, and there are so many gifted students here. This is a great opportunity to show my creativity.”
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