Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Kids Kaleidoscope

Thank you so much for taking time to participate in the 2022 Young Artist Showcase! This is a continuing effort to further engage youth with the Santa Barbara Sister Cities.

For the last 33 years Sister Cities International (SCI) has sponsors an annual young artist showcase, encouraging youth from around the globe to express the mission of SCI through original artwork. Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual; one community at a time showcases the importance of travel and exchange in achieving peace.

Theme: Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water for All Climate change has become an undeniably harsh reality in our lives, making the importance of raising awareness and taking action more essential every day. As temperatures rise, water patterns are disrupted, ecosystems are disturbed, cultures are affected, and energy resources are proven to be unsustainable for long-term use. These ongoing changes impact our local and global communities on every aspect, and youth are the key to tackle this global reality.

Students must be between 13 and 18 years of age. The deadline to submit artwork is March 21, 2022. All entries must meet the criteria and guidelines listed below:

· Media accepted in this category include oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencil, crayon, ink, marker, etching, collage, etc.

· Only two-dimensional (2D), unframed and no larger than 24 in. x 36 in. artwork will be accepted.

· All entries must be original and conform to Sister Cities International’s policy on plagiarism.

PRIZES: 1^st Place Winner - $250 * 2^nd Place Winner - $150 * 3^rd Place Winner - $100

Please make arrangements to deliver your entry to 122 E. Arrellaga St. . Judging will take place on March 24, place to be determined. Questions: Gil Garcia (805) 689-2588 or gil@gilgarcia-aia.com

We encourage our youth to be creative and examine all aspects of this year’s theme, including;

When describing their artwork in the application form, students were encouraged to discuss how their local communities and/or international cities are approaching this year’s theme. Students could talk about collaborative efforts between communities, give project examples, or explore areas of potential cooperation within the water sustainability field. Descriptive paragraphs should be written by the student.

SANTA BARBARA SISTER CITIES YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE ANNOUNCES 2022 AWARD WINNERS

Young Artists Showcase host Gil Garcia Santa Barbara Sister Cities with honorable judges Ann Hefferman, and Kathy Koury

A large crowd of Santa Barbara Sister Cities members, friends and young artists gathered at the home of Gil and Marti Garcia, long-time board members of the Santa Barbara - Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee to participate in the reception, viewing and judging of the Sister Cities 2022 Young Artist Showcase. The Theme for the competition was Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water for All, where thirty-nine area students, ages 13-18, submitted their art with written descriptions for consideration.

Winning artists included 1^st place, Itzel Arrellano Rocha $250 prize, 2^nd place, Chloe Copeland $150, 3^rd place Veronique Durham $100, and Honorable mention to Celia Louis and Hannah Lovejoy. Winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara International Sister Cities. Oscar Gutierrez, from SBTV and a member of the SB/PV Committee did a great job documenting the Young Artists Showcase and award presentation. Sponsors for the artist prizes included Pacific Premier Bank and Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee.

Local judges Kathy Koury, and Ann Hefferman said it was a challenge to reach the final selections due to so many submissions this year and the insightful representation of the theme by the students. Guests reviewed the art works and relaxed on the verandah to learn the final cash prize award winners. The winners will participate in the international competition in Puerto Vallarta later this year as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of Santa Barbara Sister Cities.

The 2022 Young Artists Showcase theme selected was climate, which has become an undeniably harsh reality in our lives. As temperatures rise, water patterns are disrupted, ecosystems are disturbed, cultures are affected, and energy resources are proven to be unsustainable for long-term use. These ongoing changes impact our local and global communities on every aspect, and youth are the key to tackle this global reality. Event hosts Marti and Gil Garcia commended and thanked all the area art teachers who assisted the young artists with their outstanding work.

Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. Current Santa Barbara Sister Cities include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Toba, Japan, Patras, Greece, Weihai, China, Kotor, Montenegro, San Juan, Philippines. Guests representing all the Santa Barbara Sister Cities were in attendance ath the Young Artists Showcase, as well as Kathryn R. Martin, CEO of Santa Barbara Symphony & her husband, whom I enjoyed welcoming to the event.

For information visit: https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/brdcomm/nz/sistercity/cities/default.asp.

The Zoo is seeking wineries, breweries, and beverage partners to participate!

The Santa Barbara Zoo toasts the return of Roar and Pour, a wild wine and beer tasting event where the animals stay out late and guests can explore the Zoo after hours, on Saturday May 7 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, with a VIP hour from 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online here. Don’t miss this roaring good time!

Not only will guests enjoy a taste of the region’s leading wineries and breweries, but they can feed the giraffes, ride the Zoo Train, and listen to zookeeper talks. Guests will also take home a souvenir Roar and Pour 2022 wine glass. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Wineries Wanted! The success of Roar and Pour is due, in great part, to the generous donations from winery partners. Wineries, breweries and beverage purveyors interested in participating can get more information here! Register for Roar and Pour early, as space is limited. General admission tickets are $85/person and include unlimited wine tastings and one souvenir glass, train rides, giraffe feedings, and exclusive access to Zoo grounds after hours. VIP tickets are $120/person and include all general admission perks, plus early entry/VIP hour (4–5 PM), appetizers, and animal encounters. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

For more information about Roar and Pour and to see participating winery and brewery partners to-date, please click here or call (805) 962-5339.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 am for members and 9:30 am for general admission until 5 pm; general admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit www.sbzoo.org