SIMI VALLEY : Realtors Honor Posters for Fair Housing

For the sixth year in a row, a Simi Valley realtors group is honoring local youths who designed posters advocating fair housing.

The Simi Valley-Moorpark Assn. of Realtors awarded cash prizes of up to $200 to seven Simi Valley youths whose posters depict the contest’s theme of equal housing regardless of race, religion, sex, age or disability.

First-place winners are Simi Valley High School senior Amie Chessen, 17; Hillside Junior High School freshman Ryan Cramer, 15, and Pine Crest Elementary School sixth-grader Kristin Polanski, 12.

Amie, who has won first place twice before, said she plans to pursue art studies when she graduates from high school this summer.

“The funny thing is, I’m a procrastinator,” said Amie, who created her winning entry with oil-based colored pencils in about six hours the night before the contest deadline. “The idea just came to me, and it didn’t take that long to do it.”

Ryan, who created his winning poster using an air brush, plans to teach the technique at a Simi Valley arts supply store this summer.

“It’s really cool what you can do with air brush,” Ryan said. “I’m still experimenting with new ways.”

Kristin said she has already signed up to take Ryan’s class. The winning posters will be sold by the realtors group in a silent auction.

For more information, call education coordinator Maizie Pace at 527-2302, Ext. 11.