Teen’s Art to Join International Tour

A drawing by a 15-year-old Pacoima boy is among 44 that are part of an international touring exhibit of art by kids.

George Palafox is one of 44 winners chosen from 350 finalists, all members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The national Fine Arts Exhibition competition was sponsored by the cosmetic company, L’Oreal.

George, a member of the club’s San Fernando Valley branch, said it took him two months to create the mixed-media drawing, “Framed,” a colorful, mask-like face done with crayons and watercolors.

“I actually took time with it and actually finished it,” George said. “I’m real proud of what I’ve done.”

The winning artwork, exhibited in May in New Orleans at the national conference of the Boys & Girls Club of America, will spend the next year touring the United States, Europe and Asia.

The contest featured four age groups--ranging from 9 and younger to 16 to 18 years old--and such genres as drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture.

George has been taught for more than four years by Duane Campbell, art director of the Boys & Girls Club of the San Fernando Valley, where members work on art projects every day.

“I was happy to see him really get motivated in doing art,” Campbell said. He also said he’s glad George is gaining focus, and has been recognized for his efforts. “As long as he’s been coming here, it’s about time,” Campbell said.

George, who will be 16 on Tuesday, said he hopes for a career as an interior designer.

He said he would recommend the Boys & Girls Club to anyone.

“It’s fun and they help you out a lot, like if you need to do your homework and you don’t understand it,” he said. “It’s a better place to be than being in the streets.”