Palmdale EPIC Celebrates Digital Art Contest Winners with Drawing Equipment, Classes

Palmdale, CA — Energy for Palmdale's Independent Choice (EPIC) celebrates the winners of the City of Palmdale's Environmental division’s Bytes and Blooms Digital Art Contest, a citywide competition that invited artists of all ages to explore how technology and nature can coexist in creative and sustainable ways. 

EPIC proudly sponsored the contest’s prizes as part of its ongoing commitment to pursuing digital equity, community engagement and a sustainable future for Palmdale residents. These prizes, which included iPads, laptops, drawing tablets and access to virtual art classes led by local artists, were aimed at supporting the winners’ continued creative growth. 

By investing in these resources, EPIC helps ensure that contest participants walk away not only with recognition but also with the technology and skills to continue developing as digital creators.

“Technology and nature are at the foundation of Palmdale’s future, and it was inspiring to see the community’s creativity in designing and exploring this connection,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “By providing these winners with high-quality drawing tablets and professional art classes, EPIC is investing in the digital tools and skills they need to keep growing as creators and leaders in our community.”

The contest drew submissions from talented artists across four age categories, and the following first-place winners were announced on April 8:

·       Elementary: “Tech Fairies,” by Emma Olivia Jaimes 

·      Middle school: “To Flourish After Setbacks,” by Darin Valverde 

·      High school: “A Byte of a Possible Future,” by Abigail Portillo Cerritos

·      Adult: “Sunboard,” by Saul Breton Arzate

In addition to the first-place winners, the following designs earned second and third place:

·       Second place:

o   “Desert Flowers,” by David Gaitan (elementary)

o   “Rusted,” by Ariana Vizcaino (middle school)

o   “We Intertwine (Like Cables and Vines),” by Finn Dills (high school)

o   “First Steps,” by Stephanie Lemus (adult)

·       Third place:

o   “Clash of Robotics,” by Elena Zuniga (middle school)

o   “Feline to Frolic,” by Nataly Fraire (high school)

o   “Linger,” by Lisa Buccafusca (adult)

The winning works were displayed in the City's Development Services building, giving the broader community an opportunity to experience these artistic interpretations of the theme firsthand.

“Programs like the 'Bytes and Blooms' contest highlight the synergy between environmental awareness and modern innovation,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “By empowering our residents with these digital tools, we are helping inspire the community to think sustainably and beautifully about Palmdale's future.”

EPIC is honored to have played a role in bringing that vision to life and looks forward to continuing to invest in the people and programs that make Palmdale a stronger, more sustainable community.

For information about EPIC’s clean energy programs and community initiatives, visitPalmdaleEPICEnergy.comor call (661) 267-5419.

About Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC)

Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC) is the City of Palmdale’s locally managed electricity provider, offering more than 57,000 residential and commercial customers a choice in where their energy comes from. Since its launch in October 2022, EPIC has focused on providing clean, affordable power while reinvesting its revenues in the Palmdale community. Through innovative initiatives like Your Ride is EPIC and FlexWise, EPIC supports the City’s vision for a sustainable and economically resilient future. Learn more at PalmdaleEPICEnergy.com or call (661) 267-5419.