Nationwide Winners Of Hispanic Art Contest.

Nationwide Insurance announced the winners of the 2004 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest. The contest was established to highlight the diversity within the Hispanic culture and portray it through art. Entries from Texas, Florida and Ohio captured first, second, and third places respectively.

“This contest is the centerpiece of Nationwide’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, observed every year from September 15 through October 15. It gives us a great opportunity to reach out to the community and celebrate with them the colorful mix of cultures and rich traditions of Hispanics,” says Marco Capalino – Director, Diverse Markets Nationwide Insurance.

Julie Ramirez, a 19 year art student at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, was the first place winner; Daniel Pontet, from Hallandale, Florida, received second place honors and Kristin Nicole Ramos, from Pickerington, Ohio, took third place. Entries submitted were original paintings depicting the artist’s interpretation of the diversity within the Hispanic culture.

Ramirez says she learned techniques from watching her father and sister. “My inspiration comes from everything around me. Ultimately, I try to capture a sense of energy and color from my surroundings and put it in my work,” she says.

Pontet is no stranger to the winner’s circle, since 1975 he has participated in more than 60 exhibits throughout the world and has won several awards. The Uruguayan native who started out with an academic and realistic approach has evolved his art to a more abstract and symbolist style. “We can start from reality, but we must find our own way of communicating, while resisting the temptation to give in to simple imitation,” he says.

Kristin Nicole Ramos is a sophomore at Columbus College of Art and Design and has been taking art courses there since she was in the 4th grade. “It feels great to be recognized as an artist. It shows me that I have a talent that I can expand through my education,” says Ramos.