Paul Krekorian Announces Winners of Armenian Genocide Centennial Art Contest

Grand Prize Winning Artwork Displayed on Los Angeles Buses Starting Wednesday

LOS ANGELES—On Wednesday, City Councilmember Paul Krekorian announced the winners of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Art Contest, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles. In December 2014, Krekorian put out a call to artists and aspiring artists to produce and present paintings, drawings, photos and digital art inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Submissions poured in from Southern California and across the globe. A group of seven esteemed judges representing civic, artistic, entertainment and community organizations spent hours evaluating the submissions and selecting the winners.

The two Grand Prize winners (listed below) will have their artwork displayed on Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation DASH buses starting Wednesday. The First Runners-Up will each receive a $100 gift certificate donated by Carter Sexton Artist’s Materials in North Hollywood. All Centennial Art Contest winners and judges will be honored by the City Council on April 22, at 10 a.m.

“The Centennial Art Contest has been a true joy from beginning to end,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “We received dozens of excellent submissions from artists and students in Europe, Armenia and right here in the Los Angeles area. The Grand Prize winners stood out by their ability to clearly articulate their understanding of the genocide’s profound impact on the Armenian community, while also conveying a strong vision of hope for the future. It was magnificent to see the immense creativity and talent showcased by these artists. Thank you to everyone who participated, and especially to our incredibly dedicated panel of judges who had the very difficult job of choosing winners from all of this fantastic artwork.”

“It is an honor to be a part of something that brings attention and awareness to the Armenian Genocide,” said Araksya Karapetyan, Centennial Art Contest judge and Anchor of Good Day LA, Fox 11 news. “There were so many talented pieces of artwork up for consideration that it made my job very difficult. Each contestant told a touching story of the past, the present and the future that we can all connect to. Armenian folk stories end with the following: Three apples fell from heaven: one for the story teller, one for he who listens and one for he who understands. We are telling the story. We hope someone is listening. And someday the world will understand.”

Centennial Art Contest judge and Founding President of Jewish World Watch, Janice Kamenir-Reznik, said, “I am honored to have been asked to participate in commemorating the Centennial and honoring the memory of the Armenian martyrs.”

“It is critical that we remember. As we remember, we work to ensure justice and accountability. Only by exposing the truth can we hope to combat genocide in the world.”

The Grand Prize of the Centennial Art Contest went to “Pride in the Eyes of a Survivor” by Nairi Bagdasarian from Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The first and second runners-up were “Sunrise” by Arpi Krikorian (Pasadena) and “Fragile Doll” by Karla Rivas (North Hollywood) respectively.

The Centennial Art Contest is just one of a number of things that Councilmember Krekorian is spearheading to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Here are some of the other highlights:

Co-sponsoring the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” exhibit at the Los Angeles Central Library. The exhibit highlights the outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. You can also see a version of the exhibit if you visit the bridge linking City Hall and James K. Hahn City Hall East.

Supporting the “March for Justice” on April 24 that begins at 10 a.m. on Sunset Blvd. and Western Ave. in Little Armenia.

Providing street banners to promote the library exhibit and the March for Justice.

Lighting City Hall’s façade in purple for the week of April 24 to symbolize the forget-me-not, the official emblem of the worldwide observance of the Armenian Genocide Centennial.

Planting 100 pomegranate trees in parks throughout the city and on the lawn of City Hall.

Hosting an official reception at City Hall on April 23 at 3 p.m.

The City will also dedicate the “Armenian Genocide Memorial Square” at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Western Ave. in Little Armenia.