News Summary
Aliyah Cortes, a sixth-grader, has gained recognition for her artwork featured on a Fiesta medal. Her whimsical design, showcasing a strawberry with the slogan ‘Graffiti is Barry Bad,’ was selected from 3,000 submissions in a city-sponsored competition aimed at promoting artistic expression among youth. This initiative not only engages children in creative pursuits but also raises awareness about graffiti’s impact on the community, reinforcing the importance of art in education and cultural celebrations.
San Antonio – Sixth-grader Aliyah Cortes has gained recognition for her artistic talent as her artwork has been featured on a commemorative Fiesta medal. The announcement of her artwork being selected was made last summer, but Cortes only saw the finished medal a few weeks ago, leading to a delightful surprise for the young artist.
Cortes was one of the approximately 3,000 children who participated in the annual arts competition organized by the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. This competition is part of the Anti-Graffiti program, which encourages creativity among youth during summer camps. The initiative is designed not only to promote artistic expression but also to raise awareness about the impact of graffiti.
The artwork chosen for the medal features a strawberry alongside the catchy slogan “Graffiti is Barry Bad.” Cortes created this whimsical design shortly before she received the news about its selection for the medal. The challenge of the competition provided a platform for children to express their views on graffiti and its consequences through their art.
Aliyah Cortes expressed astonishment upon learning that her artwork had been chosen for the medal, sharing her initial skepticism about whether or not the medal would actually come to fruition. This level of engagement from the young artists involved illustrates the competition’s ability to resonate with children and foster a sense of accomplishment.
In addition to this recent achievement, Cortes has received accolades for various other art pieces across different categories, further showcasing her growing talent as a young artist. Such recognition at a young age can be pivotal in cultivating a passion for the arts, laying the groundwork for future opportunities and experiences in creative pursuits.
The Fiesta celebration in San Antonio is an annual event that brings together community members to celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of the region. By featuring artwork from local children on the medals, the city fosters a sense of community pride and encourages young residents to engage with the vibrant culture surrounding them.
The Anti-Graffiti program, under which this competition falls, aims to reduce the prevalence of graffiti through education and public art engagement. Identifying graffiti as a societal issue, the program not only addresses the problem but also empowers children to showcase their artistic expressions and take part in community improvements.
The recognition of young artists like Aliyah Cortes during such events enriches the cultural landscape of San Antonio and reinforces the importance of art education in schools. As cities continue to promote art initiatives, programs like this could inspire the next generation of creators to address social issues through creativity while also fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Aliyah’s journey from submitting her artwork to seeing it on a Fiesta medal is a testament to the potential within youth communities and the transformative power of art. Celebratory events such as Fiesta provide vital platforms for children to express themselves and contribute positively to their community while simultaneously enriching the city’s cultural heritage.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio sixth grader proudly shows off Fiesta medal
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Fiesta
- News 4 San Antonio: Fiesta medals to show
- Google Search: Fiesta San Antonio 2025
- San Antonio Current: Great design and great causes
- Google Scholar: Fiesta San Antonio
- KENS5: Lifetime collection of Fiesta medals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fiesta
- KSAT: Fiesta medals highlights
- Google News: Fiesta San Antonio 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
