Valley Lawyer Magazine proudly announces the winners of its first Art Contest. Members submitted works of poetry, painting, illustration, short story, and photography for consideration. The Valley Lawyer Editorial Committee cast votes for first-, second-, and third-place winners. Winners received $100, $75, and $50 gift cards and publication of their work in the August issue of Valley Lawyer which can be viewed by clicking here.
First Place Winner
SFVBA Associate Member Jeremy Salvador’s artwork, “Exhibit 1: Big Girls Don’t Cry,” was selected as the first-place winner. Chosen for its eye-catching combination of pop culture and the law, the artwork is inspired by the recent family law case, In re Marriage of Valli (2014) 58 Cal.4th 1396, 1399. Created with pages from the ruling stained with coffee and painted with calligraphy ink, the title of the artwork is aptly derived from one of the litigant’s famous songs. The artist, who works under the artist pseudonym Jude, is a forensic accountant with the Valencia-based firm Miod and Company. More of his artwork can be found at www.jude.ink.
Second Place Winner
Longtime SFVBA Attorney Member Sandra Cannady Knapp won the second-place prize with her poem, “Working Puzzles: A Love Poem.” The work was selected for its creative content and whimsical format. Knapp is a family law attorney who has been practicing for over 30 years. She has been a poet since the age of 19 and published a book of poems, Woodwinds, in 1998. She has compiled two new books which she hopes to publish soon.
Third Place Winner
SFVBA Attorney Member Ken Tennen won the third-place prize for his short story, “The Adventures of Fiona the Fig Tree.” The judges selected this entry for its originality and engaging storytelling, which is inspired by the author’s own experience with a beloved family tree. Tennen is a probate and estate planning attorney based in West Hills with nearly 20 years of experience. He enjoys writing science fiction and fantasy in his spare time. An excerpt from the story was published in the August issue of Valley Lawyer. The complete story can be viewed by clicking here.
Honorable Mention
SFVBA Attorney Member Brian Michaels, The Law Office of Brian Michaels, Encino
SFVBA Attorney Member Robert A. Weissman, Weissman & Weissman, Westlake Village
SFVBA Attorney Member Richard L. Bisetti, Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy, Los Angeles
Editor’s Choice Award
SFVBA Attorney Member Allen G. Haroutounian, Nemecek & Cole, Sherman Oaks
The contest generated a lot of positive attention and demonstrated the impressive artistic talents of SFVBA members. Due to the success of this contest, Valley Lawyer planning new creative competitions for its members. Click here to view all the winning entries in the latest issue of Valley Lawyer.