Redwood City residents can now display their pride for the community in the form of an artsy yard sign or flag, while also supporting community members hardest hit by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a community art contest that aimed to exhibit Redwood City’s strength in coming together amid the destructive pandemic, yard signs and flags exhibiting winning artworks from local community members are now for sale. Proceeds benefit the Fair Oaks Community Center COVID-19 Housing and Support Relief Fund.
Winners of the art contest, called Redwood City Strong Together, were recognized at Monday’s council meeting.
The contest was held by the Redwood City Parks & Arts Foundation. Following the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, Mayor Diane Howard and Dee Eva, a local resident and board member for the San Mateo County Historical Association, felt the need to create a flag or other symbol of community unity during the pandemic. They contacted Pamela Estes, president of the Parks & Arts Foundation, about developing an art contest.
The contest took place in May, and winners earned cash prizes. To date, over 60 signs featuring the artworks have been sold, and “we’d love to sell more,” Estes said.
First prize went to Samantha Bloom and Patrick Kelley, whose artwork highlighted the highly iconic Redwood City arch and Redwood trees, and chrysanthemum flowers that play a part in Redwood City history, and California yellow poppy, the state flower:
Second prize went to Kira Coan of Redwood City, whose work featured a representation of community members’ overlapping hands in the shape of a heart:
Third place winner Desiree Finau, an employee of the city, exhibited the strength of the Redwood tree as a symbol for Redwood City’s strength in her artwork.
Honorable mentions included Mayra Garcia Adame, whose work focused on essential workers as a theme of people working together:
Also receiving honorable mention was Julie Alvarez, who was inspired by many Zoom calls she imagined were going on by the many city workers working to keep residents safe.
Another honorable mention went to siblings Goyo and Olivia Alvarez, who used many vibrant colors in their entry.
The first, second and third place prizes were funded by the Redwood City Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee. The selection committee included Mayor Howard, Eva, Jeanne Schreiber, and Gloria Acevedo Cooney.
To purchase a yard sign connected to this art contest, visit here.
