Community Writer
Oct 27, 2024
From Vision to Victory!
On October 26, 2024, the first-ever Inspire Vallejo Design Challenge celebrated the creativity and talent of Vallejo’s youth at the historic Odd Fellows Hall on Georgia Street, in the heart of the Arts District. This inaugural event, inspired by the successful Inspire Oakland program, marked a significant milestone in Vallejo's art and culture scene, showcasing innovative Vallejo-centric designs created by local high school students.
The Inspire Vallejo Design Challenge was brought to life by R. Shay Miles, a native Vallejoan, Leadership Vallejo alumna, and former board member of BRIDGEGOOD, who worked under the mentorship of BRIDGEGOOD Co-Founder and Executive Director, Shaun Tai. This initiative, which highlights the artistic voices of young creators, received strong community support from local organizations, including the City of Vallejo, Vallejo Arts Fund, and Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center.
We received 34 submissions! Out of these talented entries, three students from St. Patrick St. Vincent Catholic High School were selected as top finalists:
Alyssa Chopito: Awarded the top prize for her design titled "Vallejo Family Days,"Â celebrating and bridging community unity and family connection in Vallejo.
Francesca Maionchi: Recognized for "Vallejo is Beautiful," capturing the essence of Vallejo’s scenic landscapes and diverse culture.
Joseph Silva: Honored for his piece "Family, Fun, Familiar, Town, Growth," reflecting the warmth and growth of Vallejo’s community.
The top design by Alyssa Chopito will soon be featured on the digital billboard along I-80 near the Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center, to welcome people to Vallejo and powerfully sharing her inspiring vision with thousands of passersby.
This event marked an exciting new chapter for Vallejo's young artists, connecting them with opportunities to express their creativity and contribute meaningfully to their city’s visual identity.
The 2025 Inspire Vallejo Design Challenge is underway. This year, the billboard design competition was solely open to Vallejo and Benicia students (ages 16-24). In 2025, it will be open exclusively to Solano County students. Stay tuned for more information available March 2025.