City hosts annual art competition

Kayla Samimi
Staff Writer

Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell is sponsoring the second annual “Why I Heart MB” Art Contest on Jan. 29 at the City Hall.

The contest is being hosted by the Cultural Arts Division. Throughout the year, the program hosts a series of art contests and classes that are designed to teach self awareness, self confidence and freedom of expression.

“The Cultural Arts Division presents the visual and cultural arts to the Manhattan Beach community,” Cultural Arts Manager Martin Bertz said. “Its programs are committed to engaging individuals of all ages in diverse and inspiring experiences through education, exhibitions, and events.”

In order to enter, participants must fill out an entry form that can be found either at citymb.info or at the Manhattan Beach City Hall. Artwork can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional and all entries are due by December 17.

“So far, each participant has shown a sense of excitement and pride about the City of Manhattan Beach,” Betz said. “Residents here truly love their City!”

Judges have not yet been selected but will be chosen closer to the deadline. All ages are welcome to participate and artwork will be judged in either of two categories, drawing and painting or photography.

“I love photography and the freedom of the digital camera where you can just shoot anything and endlessly without worrying about the cost of film or developing,” participant James Gill said. “I was thrilled with my entry last year and just as excited about the image I have this year.”

First, second, and third place winners will be announced at the City Hall along with two honorable mentions. Each winner will receive a ribbon and pin along with their names in the local newspaper. After the winners are announced, there will be an exhibition for a public viewing of the top 13 submisions from January 30 to February 20 in the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center.

“This contest is about recognizing some of the great people that make Manhattan beach the community we love,” Powell said. “In the future, I definitely want it to be an ongoing event.”