With a record number of entries for this year’s art competition, the winning group showcased their immense creativity, crafting submissions that blew away the selection committee.
The five winners— Christian Anderson, Ilhana Davis, Bryn Hergert, Felix Mendez, and Jorge Whitaker— stood out among the competition for their deeply thoughtful submissions that seamlessly folded into this year’s contest prompt: highlighting Black history and the growth of Black culture in the arts through time.
For years, the Mavericks have been inviting North Texas students in grades 8 – 12 to submit artwork as part of the team’s Black History Month initiatives.
“It’s not only important for the Dallas Mavericks to support and honor Black history and the legacy and contributions of Black and African Americans throughout time, but to also support expressionism through art and these young artists,” said Sean Reed, the Mavs’ director of corporate social responsibility.
“A lot of the students who submit for the Black History Month Art Contest want to go to school to pursue art full-time. I think for our winners, this validates their career goals and exposes them to different career opportunities through art, like the creative side of sports.”
This year’s winners, hailing from high schools across the Metroplex, participated in several exclusive experiences as part of their prize, including an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C.
But, before the students traveled to the Nation’s Capital, they were recognized by the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center during the Mavs’ Feb. 27 matchup against the Hornets.
As part of their VIP gameday experience, the students enjoyed a pre-game dinner alongside Mavs Legend Rolando Blackman, caught the 103 – 96 Mavs win from a suite, and post-game showcased their projects for Mavs forward Caleb Martin.
Fans could also view the winning submissions on the concourse throughout the game before the framed works were loaned to the African American Museum of Dallas, where the pieces are on display for public viewing through Friday, March 28.
The biggest reward for their accomplishments, an all-expenses paid trip to D.C., didn’t come until March to align with the students’ spring break schedules.
The Mavs, with help from AT&T and American Airlines, hosted the winners and their guests for a curated trip that used every opportunity to highlight United States history and the significant contributions of Black and African Americans throughout time.
For several, this marked their first time visiting D.C., and for some, their first time traveling on an airplane.
The weekend-long excursion took the group on a walking tour of major monuments and museums, a show at the historic Ford Theatre, and a journey of culture through cuisine.
When touring locations like the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, the guide tailored explanations to the group of aspiring artists, specifying types of marble, the use of color and reflection, and the significance behind many of the design choices.
During their exploration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the largest museum of its kind in the world, the group journeyed through time, discovering even more about the inspiring forces behind their submitted artwork.
The group began on the museum’s ground floor, reflecting on the origin of slavery in our country, advancing toward freedom, the fight for acceptance, and the countless cultural contributions that have shaped today’s society.
“The museum really highlights some of the unsung heroes that are part of Black history but may not have been the face of any particular movement. Seeing the students and parents learn new things and find different connections was amazing— they all found stories they connected to,” said Reed.
This unforgettable experience celebrated artistic expression and offered students a deeper understanding of how art has preserved and shaped history through time. Walking through the Smithsonian museums, seeing historic paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, and witnessing a live performance at the Ford Theatre all reinforced the power of storytelling through different mediums.
Their journey through Washington, D.C., mirrored the very essence of their winning artwork— a reflection of the past, a deeper exploration of the present, and inspiration for the future.
Christian Anderson – Hebron High School (12th Grade)
Ilhana Davis – Williams High School (10th Grade)
Bryn Hergert – Rockwall High School (9th Grade)
Felix Mendez – Cedar Hill High School (11th Grade)
Jorge Whitaker – Cedar Hill High School (11th Grade)
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