2024 POSTER CONTEST WINNER
Caryn Chavarria
William Moore and Omar Lazo awarding the prize to Caryn Chavarria.
The winner of the 2024 Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival poster contest is
Caryn Chavarria, a Latina artist and Rockville resident who specializes in painting, digital art, and photography. Caryn also teaches digital art, photography, and ceramics at Rockville High School. As the winner of poster contest, Caryn received a cash prize of $500 donated jointly by IHOP Wheaton and Los Chorros Restaurant. As part of the prize, an additional $100 will be donated to Rockville High School for art supplies in Ms. Chavarria’s honor.
After Caryn's artwork was selected, she worked with Wheaton Arts Parade designer Josue Martinez of Corinto Gallery, pictured here, to incorporate her artwork into the design for the poster and T-shirt. It will be featured in all promotional materials leading up to the parade. Click on the button below to hear Caryn describe her artwork.
Caryn says her “design aims to encapsulate the essence of the parade and festival which includes an appreciation for arts, music, food, and decor. Additionally, through the use of one-line drawings, I wanted to capture the diversity of Wheaton as well as the community’s interconnectedness. I also wanted to pay homage to the triangular and pyramid motif of Wheaton Arts Parade. The color scheme was chosen to show the vibrancy of the community and of the festival as well as the movement that encapsulates Wheaton.”
IHOP owner and prize co-sponsor William Moore said, “As a life-long resident of Wheaton and local business owner, I appreciate what Wheaton Arts Parade has done to celebrate our community and activate the arts district. I am honored to sponsor the annual poster contest and to reward the creative efforts of local artists like Caryn.”
Los Chorros owner and prize co-sponsor, Omar Lazo, also congratulated the artist, adding, “The artwork is truly remarkable and captures the vibrant spirit of our community. We are proud to join Wheaton Arts Parade in celebrating the power of art and its ability to bring people together."
