Friendly House, a social services organization in La Phoenikera, turned 100 years old last year and couldn’t even get a birthday caravan. So on December 3, 2021, they’re celebrating their centennial as if the world is ending, cuz who knows, maybe it will! They’re bringing down the house with their annual Tamale Dinner, which also got cancelled last year, leaving serial corporate party goers without bottomless tamale plates and their coveted sarapes.

The great news for artists of La Phoenikera is that the organization is looking for someone to create the image that will be the face of the event’s promotion. The winning artist’s work will be used in all promotion materials for the event including the official invitation, website, social media and other platforms, plus, it’s a paid gig (screw paying artists with promotion!).

According to Friendly House’s President and CEO Jerry Mendoza, in 2018 and 2019, the organization partnered with artists Diana Calderón and Ashley Macías respectively to create the Tamale Dinner’s image. This year, since the event is a much bigger deal they’re making a contest out of this potential partnership and also making the public part of the selection process. 

Diana Calderón’s art used to promote the 83rd annual Tamale Dinner in 2018.

Interested visual artists must submit an application, samples of their work and a sketch of their proposed image by Monday, September 13. A panel of judges will select three finalists that will then be put up for public vote. Artists can see the full contest guidelines and application here. 

Also, Friendly House is hosting an info session about the contest this Thursday, September 9th at 6 p.m. to answer any questions for interested artists. People can register here to attend the zoom meet.

Image by Ashley Macías used in the promotion of Friendly House’s 84th Annual Tamale Dinner in 2019.

So artists, wake up from your long weekend stupor and start thinking of how you would put Friendly House’s 100th birthday celebration/Tamale Dinner into one image! 

DEETS IN SHORT

WHAT: Friendly House 100 Years of Service art contest

DEADLINE: Monday, September 13 at 11:59 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY: 100yearsofservice.org/artcontest

REGISTER FOR THE CONTEST INFO SESSION: https://forms.gle/nBviY44Y7Undbs429 

ABOUT FRIENDLY HOUSE DIRECTLY FROM THEIR WEBSITE: As one of Arizona’s pioneer social service agencies, Friendly House was first established in 1920 as part of a local initiative to assist immigrants in acquiring the citizenship, education and literacy skills necessary to acculturate into the United States. In 100+ years, Friendly House has evolved into a multi-service organization with wide-ranging programs aimed at addressing the pressing needs of the community: Education, Workforce Development, Family Support, Basic Needs and Immigration.

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