Sacrificing My Father’s Hands

“Sacrificing My Father’s Hands” is the title of the first place photograph in the 20th Congressional Art Competition “An Artistic Discovery” by Michelle Lopez-Rubio, junior at Aptos High School in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

As one looks deeper into this photograph, it is easy to immerse oneself in the sacrifice story that is being told.

Her entry topped others submitted by high school students from Salinas, Monterey, San Benito, Carmel, Gilroy and Santa Cruz, as well as two Aptos High classmates, Anna Spurlock and Autumn Zaretsky.

As the winner, Michelle Lopez-Rubio will travel to Washington, D.C. in June, along with her sister, to be recognized and see her piece exhibited in the U.S. Capitol. “Sacrificing My Father’s Hands” will be displayed for an entire year along with other Congressional district winners.

Ms. Lopez-Rubio did not expect her work to receive this honor but is keenly aware of the impact it can have:

“I was shocked that my photo was even selected for the competition, and after learning I won, I felt honored and grateful,” she said. “This photo was about bringing light to what field workers have to go through every day. Experiencing it firsthand, it felt very personal to photograph, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. I hope that this photo getting so much attention can help improve the conditions of field workers.”

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent of schools at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, offered her personal commendation.

“We recognize the profound influence of arts in education and we are proud to have opportunities for our students to explore their artistic talent,” Rodriguez said.

“Congratulations to Michelle Lopez-Rubio for having created such a touching piece that will be enjoyed by the millions of visitors the U.S. Capitol sees annually. It is not only a heartfelt photograph, but also a strong representation of our community and we are proud to celebrate this recognition.”

Veronique Marks, Lopez-Rubio’s visual and performing arts teacher, commended her students for bravely sharing their artwork with the public.

“I strive to teach my students that what they capture in a photograph can have extraordinary power that goes beyond language, straight to your heart,” Mark said. “The arts are essential, now more than ever. It gives students a voice and an avenue for healing and self-expression that they don’t often have in other subjects. This national competition highlights the value of art as a core subject and celebrates the creativity of our nation’s youth.”