In a message of hope and unity, District Attorney Jeff Rosen is enlisting the creative talents of Santa Clara County high school students for this year's "Justice for All" Art Contest. According to the DA's office, students are asked to create and submit original butterfly-based artwork to be displayed in the halls of the Mariposas Resiliency Center, a newly expanded center in Gilroy offering comprehensive support to victims of violent crime.
The Mariposas Resiliency Center, formerly the Gilroy Strong Resiliency Center, is more than a place of support; it's an emblem of the community's indomitable spirit. Named after the Spanish word for butterflies, the center honors the memory of three young individuals who lost their lives in the devastating Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting in 2019 - six-year-old Stephen Romero, 13-year-old Keyla Salazar, and 25-year-old Trevor Irby. Through its unique focus on butterflies, the center is offering those affected by violence a powerful symbol of hope and healing, and a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
The contest invites students to submit their artwork in various mediums such as paint, pencil, charcoal, photography, and graphic design. The winning pieces will not only adorn the halls of the Mariposas Resiliency Center, but also offer handsome monetary prizes for the creators: $1,500 for the first place winner, $1,000 for the second place, and $500 for the third place finisher. Needless to say, the competition is fierce, but the motivation is clear - using art to mend the wounds of a community still healing in the aftermath of tragedy.
Calling for entries by September 29, 2023, District Attorney Jeff Rosen points to the significance of butterflies as symbols of hope and new beginnings, stating, "It feels right that the halls of Mariposa will be decorated with the butterfly artwork of talented community youths." Winners will be announced on October 13, 2023, on the District Attorney's website and Facebook page, and the top three artists will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the Mariposas Resiliency Center's grand opening on October 24, 2023.
