Like the strawberries celebrated at
the annual Vista Strawberry Festival, artist Alice Picado is a homegrown
Vistan, so it’s fitting that her “Strawberries on Main Street” original artwork
entranced poster contest judges. In a blind judging, Picado’s oversized luscious
berries being delivered in an old-fashioned pickup truck to the heart of
downtown Vista was the unanimous choice. Her first-place image will be featured
on posters and other publicity for the 2014 festival.
Picado’s artwork, for
which she was awarded a $250 cash prize, and those of other winners, were
displayed at the Art Beat on Main Street Gallery during the May 26, 2013 Strawberry
Festival. As an event sponsor, Art Beat coordinated the contest for Festival presenter,
Vista Chamber of Commerce. Judges
included Chamber members and local artists.
Karen Weichert’s “Strawberry
Baby” won second place. Arthur Williamson’s “Strawberries in the Sky” won third
place. Cheryl Hogue’s “Strawberry Shake” received honorable mention. All winning
entries will be on display at the Gallery through mid-June.
ArtBeat co-owner Kait
Matthews states, ”We were delighted at the creativity and diversity of entries,
which were submitted by artists from Vista and throughout the area. Judges felt
that Alice captured the true spirit of the Festival and of Vista in a charming,
hometown way.”
Picado displays her water
color paintings, many of which are Vista scenes, at the Gallery. She gained her
inspiration for “Strawberries on Main Street” from her memories of growing up
in town. She relates, “I drove out to the Vista strawberry fields and got an
image in my mind of a truck bringing the fruit right to people downtown. I am
very excited to have won the poster contest and look forward to seeing my
artwork come alive on posters next year. With all the new things popping up,
Main Street has really turned into a happening place.”
Matthews and ArtBeat co-owner
Kris Petersen agree with Picado’s assessment of downtown. They say, “A primary
goal in establishing our Gallery in June 2012 was to become a multifaceted
cultural beacon that promotes the renaissance of the community and economic
rebound of the region. We were happy to partner with the Chamber in the
Festival and poster contest, which fit into our Vista Loves Art campaign to support the arts and local artists.”
ArtBeat on Main Street is located at 330
Main Street in downtown Vista. It is open Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am-6:00 pm;
Saturday, 9:30 am-8:00 pm; Sunday, 9:30 am-4:00 pm. For information, visit www.artbeatonmainstreet.com, www.facebook.com/artbeatonmainstreet
or discover Vista’s creative new vibe in person. To learn about gallery
partnering opportunities, email info@artbeatonmainstreet.com.
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