Hispanic Youth Symposium - George Mason University

I participated in the Hispanic Youth Symposium's Art Competition for the second year, and third college campus event last night. It was pretty cool. Met 23 bright and artistic kids, all in the 10th or 11th grades, and trying to figure out what they're going to do with their lives. Kids had interests in photography, animation, painting, drawing, graphic design and sculpture. Many kids had touching stories to tell - powerful stories of struggle and hope. I really gain a lot of respect for them, their families and the community that places so many hopes and pressures upon their young shoulders. God Bless Them All. Judges, Sarah??? the photographer from Philadelphia on the left, Patricio Montiel, the architect in Fairfax County VA, Jenny Davis, realistic watercolorist and Christine Cardellino, painter, both from the Torpedo Factory Art Center and myself (shooting the photo) all met, talked and encouraged between 6 and 10:30, when judging ended and we were chased out by the maintenance crew.
Christopher Hoppe, writer and artist is again the chair of the art competition, with the George Mason University event rounding out the 7th and final show for the year - both coasts seven cities. over a thousand kids plus a thousand volunteers and mentors. Great job!

As mentioned... chased out by 10:30, 75 miles to drive home - buying a cruddy hamburger and fries on the ride... in bed by 11:40.