Local artist in run for a big win in national contest

HIDALGO — A local art teacher hopes her entry will become one of five finalists in a national art contest.

“It’s a big thing for me, this is the first time I have ever competed in anything,” said Maricela Garza, 41, who entered her work “Sabrosura Latina” in the Dr Pepper Sabrosura Art Contest.

(Check out all the semifinalists in the Dr Pepper Sabrosura Art Contest, in which you can vote for McAllen’s very own Garza or one of the 19 other semifinalists. Today is the last day to vote. Visit www.drpeppersabrosura.com to make your choice!)

The contest is designed to tap into the creative force of the Hispanic culture, said Stephanie Bazan, brand manager for Dr Pepper Hispanic marketing, in a press release.

“Sabrosura means zest for enjoying life through social gatherings, music, dancing, drinking, and enjoying delicious foods — all distinctive features of this vibrant culture,” Bazan said. “Through Sabrosura, we want to encourage Hispanics to express their individuality and their zest for life — characteristics that have been a cornerstone of the Dr. Pepper brand for more than 30 years.”

Garza’s entry is a graphic art design she created depicting tamales, a chalupa lottery game and other items showcasing local Hispanic culture.

Garza, who teaches art at Ida Diaz Junior High School, is a national semifinalist in the competition. Art lovers can view all of the entries at www.drpeppersabrosura.com and cast their vote. Today is the last day to cast your vote.

Garza has already won $2,300 for making it this far.

“If I make it to the top 5, that’s an additional $2,500,” she said. “The first place gets $5,000.”

Garza almost didn’t enter the contest. She picked up the flyer on a trip to Houston on a Saturday and the deadline was the following Monday. When she got home, she worked on the entry and got it in by deadline.

“I included stuff I was familiar with, like the chalupa lottery, papel picado, tamales, and chilies and cebolla,” she said. “The biggest one was the loteria which we are familiar with down here on the border. Hispanics usually use bottle caps or beans, but in my case I use bottle caps.”

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Travis Whitehead covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4452.