EL MONTE – For El Monte High School (EMHS) junior and art student Michelle Garcia, Día de los Muertos is a holiday to be celebrated with vibrant colors, a special day when family and friends come together to pay tribute to loved ones, and a sacred observance rich with symbolism and traditions that evoke happiness and memories of the past.

To honor Día de los Muertos, Garcia created an artwork bursting with radiant imagination, communicating the delicate dance between life and death. The piece features brightly lit marigolds, a dapper calavera in a flower-lined sombrero, nostalgic Lotería cards, and the mysterious, watchful gaze of the Día de los Muertos icon, La Catrina.

Garcia’s captivating art was honored by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, winning first place in the fifth annual Día de los Muertos Art Competition, in the 14 to 18 age group. Along with the recognition, Garcia received a $2,000 scholarship, presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles. Her work can be viewed online.

“I am very happy and proud to be named the first-place winner,” Garcia said. “I wanted to create something that shows people what Día de los Muertos is all about and the strong meaning it brings to our culture. Receiving this scholarship is special, but it’s even more exciting to see my hard work being recognized by others in such a big way. This scholarship allows me to continue pursuing my art, and I hope it leads to greater happiness and success along the way.”

Garcia has been honing her artistic skills since childhood, cherishing every opportunity to work on her craft. Her journey took a big step forward as a freshman when El Monte High art teacher Saul Aguilera noticed her potential. Aguilera encouraged Garcia to submit a drawing to the prestigious Ryman Arts School, where she was accepted and has since completed three semesters at its Fullerton campus.

“Michelle is incredibly talented and her art has grown considerably over the years,” Aguilera said. “Despite a busy schedule attending Ryman, she has developed the discipline to keep creating and submitting her work to art contests. Her scholarship shows her classmates that they can be successful too, and have the talent to compete with other students in their age group.”

Garcia said she enjoys the unique freedom art class gives her to bring her vision to life, and is also grateful for the chance to share and grow her skills alongside her classmates.

“One thing I love about art class is the feedback from my classmates—it helps me grow as an artist,” Garcia said. “Art also helps me understand the world, reduces my anxiety, and even improves my social skills.”

Garcia’s artwork was selected from 1,000 applicants in the Tournament of Roses Día de los Muertos Art Competition, which invited entries across various categories, including paintings, calaveras, ofrendas, Catrinas, and digital art.

“Congratulations to Michelle Garcia for receiving a Tournament of Roses art scholarship and showcasing the beauty of Latino culture,” El Monte Union Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Our visual and performing arts programs throughout the District allow talented students like Michelle the opportunity to share their creative vision and shine on a larger stage.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_EMHS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS_1: El Monte High School junior Michelle Garcia won first place in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Día de los Muertos Art Competition’s 14 to 18 age group, which came with a $2,000 scholarship in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles.

EMUHSD_EMHS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS_2: El Monte High School junior Michelle Garcia’s first-place artwork in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses fifth annual Día de los Muertos Art Competition features marigolds, La Catrina, and Lotería cards.