INTERNATIONAL SIGLO DE ORO DRAMA FESTIVAL ART CONTEST WINNERS
EL PASO—Fourteen entries of art were judged on their relevance to the Siglo de Oro theme and for their execution, style, creativity, and workmanship. $2,000 in prizes were offered by this competition, an annual event designed to promote awareness of the rich cultural heritage enjoyed by the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez community.
Mr. Rodolfo Razo of El Paso has won the $1,000 First Prize for his original oil painting of 16th century Spanish actors, which is the main feature of the 2013 Festival’s commemorative poster. Second Prize of $600 is awarded to Ms. Lyuba Titovets and Third Prize of $400 is awarded to Ms. Nancy Brown. The art contest is sponsored by Los Paisanos de El Chamizal, a non-profit friends group which supports cultural and educational programs of Chamizal National Memorial.
The juried panel consisted of Mr. Bassel Wolfe, artist; Mr. Robert Carlson, artist; Ms. Susan Novick, archivist; Ms. Rebecca Krasne, designer; Ms. Katherine Brennand, patron of the arts; Mr. Chris Cummings, art collector; and Ms. Nancy Kaufman, former staff member of the National Park Service.
ABOUT OUR WINNERS:
MR. RODOLFO RAZO—First Place Winner/$1,000 Prize
Mr. Rodolfo Razo is a master painter, who made his mark in the fashion industry as an illustrator in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and El Paso fashion houses. His fine art has been shown in London, Milan, Mexico City, Morocco and New York City. A native of El Paso, he has been an artist since a young age. He received his B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and continued studies at the School of Visual Arts, Art Students League, and Fashion Institute of Technology, all in New York.
Mr. Razo’s artwork will be the central feature of this year’s International Siglo de Oro Drama Festival commemorative poster.
************
MS. LYUBA TITOVETS—Second Place Winner/$600 Prize
Born and raised in Russia, Ms. Lyuba Titovets received her Master of Fine Arts at St. Petersburg State University. She moved with her family to the United States in 1992 and now resides in El Paso with her husband, Alexander, who is also a painter.
She has received many awards and honors including: Best of Show 2000 Sun Bowl International Art Competition; 1996 Best of Show at The Sierra Medical and El Paso Art Association International Competition, Creative Art Award at the Oil Painters of America Annual National Competition 2000; and an invitation to Westminster Abbey, England for her miniature art. Ms. Titovets has also illustrated several books.
************
MS. NANCY BROWN—Third Place Winner/$400 Prize
Ms. Nancy Brown is a Japanese-American artist who presented a collage entitled “The Playwrights of Spain.” A professional graphic designer, she is developing a series of children’s books based on characters she has created. After living and working in Houston for many years, she returned to her hometown of El Paso, Ms. Brown states that she is “enjoying rediscovering the city and its very diverse culture.”
About the competition
Artwork chosen will be prominently displayed at Chamizal National Memorial and on its web site as well as Los Paisanos’ web site during the Festival. Works by the First Place winner will also be displayed at Chamizal National Memorial during a period designated by the Memorial. The winning entries receive widespread exposure through the Festival’s promotional endeavors. Only the First Place winner will be considered for the Festival’s promotional poster. A number of posters will be presented to the First Place winner.
The original art remains the property of the artist or owner. The contest sponsors are not obligated to purchase the art or offer any compensation other than the prize money. Chamizal National Memorial allows artists to sell their work while on display in its gallery.
Prizes: $1000 First Place, $600 Second Place, and $400 Third Place.