So, Kay is going to home school her children which means she has needed to resign from her role effective June 1st. Lyn Fitzpatrick will take over her role in the interim. If you have any questions, please just email us.

As in years past, we will finalize the new year schedule in August sometime. And, we will email you personally as well. Have a great summer!

Several student artists who participated in the Culture Shapers Visual Arts Contest were on hand to display and sell their artwork, as well as share testimonials about how the contest has impacted their lives in a positive way.

“I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity that Culture Shapers gave me and the rest of the contestants,” said Hung Pham, Senior at Clear Creek High School, and winner of the $5,000 Grand Prize in the Sculpture category during this past years’ competition. “Culture Shapers is one of those few supporters who are right here in our area, helping and encouraging those of us who are right-brained and creative.”

Student photographer Roy Neely, a senior at Pasadena Memorial High School, who also won a $5,000 Grand Prize in last year’s competition for his photograph entitled, Revelation, gave a moving testimonial, thanking the men and women who make the contest possible each year through their generous financial contributions.

Lauren Laumbach, a senior at Kingwood High School in Humble ISD was also on hand to show two of her paintings, one of which won 4th Place and $1,000 in this past year’s contest. Her painting of a well-worn piano, entitled Diminuendo was purchased on the spot by Carol Cook, a patron at this year’s wine auction.

“We believe there is a wealth of talent in our right-brained creative young people, and we are committed to continuing to make an investment in their future as they pursue their careers in the arts,” said Steve Arizpe, Executive Vice President, Client Services and Chief Operating Officer at Administaff, who have contributed each year to the Culture Shapers arts contest.

“The proceeds from this event will help us continue to provide much-needed encouragement, inspiration and opportunities to hundreds of talented students from all across Houston, through the annual Culture Shapers Visual Arts Contest and the monthly Young Voices of Houston vocal competitions,” said Ernie Fitzpatrick, Founder and President of Culture Shapers, which is a 510(c)3 non-profit.

Patrons donated more than $11,000 during the course of this year’s wine auction. All funds raised will be used to provide cash prizes to student artists in the coming year, through visual and performing arts contests. Since the contest began in 2000, more than $700,000 in cash prizes have been awarded to high school student artists. For more information about how to support Culture Shapers and these talented high school artists, visit: www.cultureshapers.com

Special thanks to the following, who generously contributed to the 2008 Wine Auction:

• Sean Perkins and Cellar 17 for selecting and generously donating the wines for the auction at cost.
• Bob Mosier, Artist-In-Residence at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, for designing, building and donating his one-of-a-kind custom wine rack, as well as sharing his moving testimonial about the impact Culture Shapers has made in the classroom.
• Bob Dyer, metal artist, for designing, building and donating a custom wine bottle and stemware rack.
• Paul Cook, for donating the impressive Dominus Vertical (’90, ‘91 and ‘92) for the live auction.
• Student artists, Roy Neely, Lauren Laumbach and Hung Pham, for being on hand to share their testimonies and artwork.

And a huge “Thank You!” to all of you who purchased wine during the auction. Thank you for your investment into the lives of these young people!

• Steve & Charissa Arizpe
• David Berryman
• Ed & Jane Blalock
• Mark & Laureen Boyer
• John Carney
• Karen & Greg Clouse
• David Crawford
• Jayla & Chris Davis
• Joey & Ginger Doyle
• Betty & Haywood Ellis
• Bob Frank
• Barbara Gibson
• John Josserand
• Stephen Lewis
• Sally & Jay Mincks
• Vicki & Paul Sarvadi
• Chad Searcy
• Doug & Pat Shadle
• Becky Tee
• Ron & Pat Timpanaro

I am one of the three sculptors that judge annually for the Culture Shapers Art contest. The sculpture category contains a variety of sculpture–clay, wire, welded bronze, glass, jewelry, and fabric, basically anything 3D that does not fit into the other categories. The two other judges that accompany me in the sculpture category are Richard Fielden and Ben Woitena. It is a good mix of judges, because our styles and background in sculpting are all quite different. When I come across a piece in the competition that is created in a different medium than what I am familiar with, such as carved alabaster or a welded abstract, I fall back on the expertise of these two men. I am not; however, bashful about sharing my own opinion and fighting for the pieces that I love.

Click here to read the rest of this article, by Bridgette Mongeon, Sculpture Judge »

Creativity and a passion for public relations is a must. Experience is helpful, but not necessary, as the artist teaches these skills to others and is willing to combine her knowledge with your talent and initiative. For further information, contact Bridgette Mongeon at: Bridgette@creativesculpture.com.

More of this artist/writer/speaker’s work can be seen at: www.creativesculpture.com and: www.godsword.net.

A Houston artist is seeking a video intern to assist with shooting videos that will be placed on YouTube and used in marketing. Digital video camera is helpful but not necessary. Job will assist in creative collaboration on short videos, and shooting. Editing skills helpful, but not necessary. There is no monetary compensation for these projects, but all efforts will be made to promote the creative talents of the intern. If you know of someone who is interested, please contact Bridgette Mongeon at: bridgette@creativesculpture.com

See also the artist’s website(s): www.creativesculpture.com and: www.godsword.net

I’d just like to say thank you to every contributor at this years Culture Shapers event. I had a great time and enjoyed every minute. Just being on the main stage next to such talented artists was a huge honor.

So once again thank you so much to everyone who makes this contest possible and all the hard work and money that goes towards the appreciation of young artists.

Conner O’Leary
2nd place, Painting
Senior, The Woodlands HS
Conroe ISD

Mrs. Lyn Fitzpatrick,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Culture Shapers Awards ceremony last week.

This is my 4th year teaching at Kerr High School in Alief and this was my second time to attend the awards ceremony. My student used one of her tickets to have me sit next to her and her mother, instead of in a different area, because she was apprehensive about the whole thing. Her category was first and she was so excited about placing 5th in the Sculpture category.

I was so moved by your speech about the Heart in Art recipient. I was trying my hardest not to cry! As I sat there in the dark, trying to remain composed, I could see out of the corner of my eye, my tough-as-nails little student, Briseida. I saw that she was crying! Your words touched us and inspired us. I am a dedicated teacher and definitely didn’t get into teaching expecting any accolades or anything like that. Nonetheless, I am so excited and thankful for this art contest as a way to honor our hard-working art students, art teachers and administrators.

Thank you for all your hard work, and for calling me a hundred times to get Briseida the attention she deserves! I hope to see you again next year!

Thanks again,
Janine Hughes
Kerr High School
Alief ISD

I had the pleasure of attending the Culture Shapers event on Thursday night in the Fine Arts Center at Westfield HS in Spring. It was one of the best high school awards programs I have seen. The event honors the top ten students in various art categories. Our own Glenda Bonilla was a star, earning a 3rd place in sculpture and 6th place in film totaling $1,750 in scholarship prize money. This is really an amazing feat when you consider that there are thousands of entries.

Ken Estrella
KIPP Houston High School