Latino Art Beat, a national not for profit arts organization, received over 800 entries in its 15th anniversary art competition, themed “What Hispanic Heritage and Culture Means to Me?” Students, in 11th and 12th grade, attending high schools in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C., were eligible to participate in the 2012 national art competition in the categories of Drawing and Painting and Film and Animation.

This year’s 1st Place Illinois winner is Stacy Espinoza, a June 2012 graduate of Carl Schurz High School Chicago. Espinoza’s artwork is titled “Mis Raices Peruanas,” an oil painting depicting Peruvian heritage. Espinoza is now attending Columbia College Chicago. The 2nd Place Illinois winner is Gabriela Ibarra from Whitney Young High School and the 3rd Place winner is Selyna Kaehler also from Carl Schurz High School. This year’s Illinois Latino Art Beat awards ceremony will be hosted by Loyola University Chicago during October 2012. Students interested in participating in the 2013 art competition may contact their high school art teacher or go to www.latinoartbeat.com. Southwest Airlines, the ‘Official Airline of Latino Art Beat’ through its continuing support, makes it possible for Latino Art Beat to continue its program on a national level.