Wylder Gordon, first place winner in the teen category, stands by her artwork of a bird on the beach. A white prize ribbon hangs next to the painting.
Teen category 1st place winner Wylder Gordon with her painting of a bird on a beach. Credit: Wylder Gordon

More than 60 people filled the Goleta Valley Library’s multipurpose room on Sept. 27 for an art reception held to recognize the participants in the 2nd Annual Creek Week Art Contest, and reveal the winning artwork.

This year’s theme Goleta the Goodland, Thriving Habitats inspired 59 artists to create works highlighting local creeks, watersheds and the ocean.

The record number of submissions included an array of mediums including paint, watercolor, photography, collages, mixed media, and yarn.

“I am wowed by the incredible talent that we have here in Goleta,” said Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte. “These colorful and creative artworks highlight how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place.

Children’s category 1st place winner Aishani Misha, wearing a yellow dress with flowers, smiles as she stands next to her artwork of a butterfly next to a tree. A white award ribbon hangs beside the artwork.
Aishani Misha stands beside her artwork of a monarch butterfly that took 1st place in the Children’s category. Credit: Aishani Misha

“I look forward to seeing even more participants at next year’s Creek Week Art Contest here at the Goleta Valley Library.”

The judging was based on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.

Following are the 2023 Creek Week Art Contest winners:

Children (6th grade and below)
1st Place – Aishani Mishra
2nd Place – Zoe Mac Donald
3rd Place – Grace Johnsen
Honorable Mention – Siena Vanella

Teens (7th-12th grade)
1st Place – Wylder Gordon
2nd Place – Ava Zhang

3rd Place – Rudy Gloo

Adults (18+)
1st Place – Heather Frazier
2nd Place – Jana Brody

3rd Place – Paulette Ley
Honorable Mention – Merlie Samonte

Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open through Sunday, Oct. 1. The winner will be announced on Monday.

The Goleta Valley Library, 500 N. Fairview Ave., is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.