By Kareena Dhillon
Staff Writer
Mira Costa sophomore Renee Boettner is drawing her way through life by participating in art contests in the South Bay.
Boettner won both first and second place, for the tenth grade, in the painting category for the Neptunian Women’s 39th annual art contest in February. Amina Hertzog won third in the tenth grade division. The event is open to grades k-12 at all elementary, middle and high schools in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Submissions were due on Feb. 10, with the awards ceremony taking place two weeks later on the 26th.
Take a look at Boettner’s submission pieces!
“I make a point of entering this contest each year because it motivates me to keep creating art even when there are other priorities in my life,” Boettner said. “I really enjoy contests like these because it allows you to view art created by people within your age range, not solely successful creators with work in museums.”
Boettner has entered several art contests in both Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach throughout her life that focus on different types of art, she says. For the Neptunian art contest, she submitted two acrylic paintings, one being a close up photo of Buddha and the other of a woman swimming underwater.
An interview with an employee at Clothes the Deal, an organization that provides low-income seekers with a professional image. The Neptunian Woman’s Club gave in-kind donations to Clothes the Deal this year.
“It’s inspiring to be competitive with people your own age and it is a great motivator,” Boettner said. “I got the idea for my paintings from paintings I’ve seen in the past, and I love swimming so that inspired the underwater photo.”
All applicants were given honorable mention ribbons at the awards ceremony and the top three winners received cash awards as well. A group of artists and photographers from the community decide on the pieces submitted. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place were decided by three professional artists. First place received $50, second $40, third place $30 and all applicants received a ribbon.
Learn more about what the Neptunian Women’s Club is doing.
“Art contests are great because it’s a good way for people to express themselves by showing their artwork,” sophomore at Costa and friend of Boettner, Kristen Cordero said. “Especially if they don’t have time in class periods to be able to do art as much as they would want to. Also, for people that are more introverted it’s a way for them to break that shell and show others what they can do.”
The process for this contest consisted of the Neptunian Club sending entry forms to each respective school. The students had two months to work on and turn in their piece, until the cutoff date Feb. 10. This year, the contest received 200 different pieces of art and 160 were selected for the art show.
“It [the contest] is a chance to be critiqued and judged for their efforts by professionals and peers,” art show co-chair Lorri Kamphner said. “The contest and show gives the students an opportunity to present their art to the community and hopefully inspire them to continue their artistic endeavors. It is important for the Neptunian Woman’s Club to continue this show and contest so kids have a platform to express their ideas and a place to exhibit their work.”
Visit the Clothes the Deal website for more information about what they do.
Boettner said she plans to incorporate art into her career and utilize creative ideas as much as possible. She says she wants to show people the value that art holds in society and how much of an impact it has.
“I am planning on entering this contest throughout high school in order to build a strong portfolio, regardless of whether or not I go to art school,” Boettner said. “Art is a hobby of mine and something I plan on incorporating in whatever career I choose to pursue in the future.”
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