Hundreds of students from colleges across Los Angeles submitted their artwork for this year's annual poster contest. Thanks to the continuous and generous support of GRoW @ Annenberg, a philanthropic initiative led by Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, Vice President and Director of the Annenberg Foundation, we were able to select three students who'll receive cash and glory for their original artwork inspired by LA Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro.
Our first place winner takes home the top prize of $5,000, second place is awarded $2,000, and third place earns $1,000.
FIRST PLACE: Ash Coughlin, California State University, Fullerton
Ash Coughlin is an Illustration student at California State University, Fullerton. Interested in pursuing a variety of artistic jobs, Ash produces work centered on fantasy themes. Reflecting on taking home first place, Ash said, “I almost couldn't believe it, and I was very thankful…During these times I've been pushing myself to study my craft more and more. When getting the news…it gave me hope knowing hard work pays off.”
SECOND PLACE: Mona Saii, California Lutheran University
Mona Saii is a native of Moorpark, CA and a senior at California Lutheran University. An Art major, Mona creates work using various media such as drypoint etching, oil paint, graphite pencils, and pen. On her achievements, she said, “It is not only an honor, but it is also an encouragement to me to keep creating. I plan to use the award to continue to build my professional portfolio in my pursuit as an Artist. I am so thankful to both GRoW @ Annenberg and LA Opera for this honor and for the inspiring work that they both do.”
THIRD PLACE: Juliann Hong, California State University, Northridge 
Juliann Hong is an illustration major at California State University, Northridge. She originally planned to become a veterinarian, then pursued engineering, and ultimately realized she is most passionate about art. Hong said, “This is the first time I've entered an art contest. I'm incredibly humbled and grateful to receive this award. It inspires me to work harder and to continue drawing.”
Submissions were judged by a panel of art, opera, marketing and design experts, including Gregory Annenberg Weingarten (GRoW @ Annenberg, Annenberg Foundation); Regina Weingarten, LA Opera Board member; Tim Johnson, LA Opera Board member; Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera President and CEO; Diane Bergman, LA Opera VP of Marketing and Communications; Keith Rainville, Associate Director of Marketing, Brand and Design.
