LAREDO, TX – The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) unveiled “To Future Generations” by Rene A. Gutierrez as the official 124th Celebration’s Commemorative Poster for the upcoming 2022 festivities. The unveiling was held at the Laredo Center for the Arts, located at 500 San Agustin Avenue, on Friday, September 3, 2021.
“We’re excited to finally be unveiling our commemorative artwork for the 124th Washington’s Birthday Celebration, this year’s poster symbolizes the unity our Celebration brings to our community,”
said WBCA President Natalie Hernandez.
The WBCA Poster Unveiling has become one of the most colorful events leading up to the start of the Celebration. Since 1982, WBCA Presidents have selected local and regional artists to create original pieces to be used as the official commemorative poster.
“Laredo and it’s unique culture has definitely left it’s mark on me and with this artwork and through the great things my students accomplish now and in the future I hope to have left a positive mark on Laredo as well. I would again like to thank Natalie Hernandez the WBCA and it’s partners for this opportunity. This poster has been waiting for over a year to be unveiled Now, even through adversity the WBCA and it’s partners have come together and are working tirelessly to be able to bring everyone together to celebrate. This poster is titled “To Future Generations” because I had my students in mind when I was working on it. This poster will also be viewed by future generations who will hopefully be inspired and continue to participate and celebrate for years to come. I love my city, my state, and my country and I am so proud that because of this poster, my name will be forever tied to the history of Laredo,” said poster artist Rene Gutierrez
The Official Artwork will be used to promote our city and the celebration. Postcards with the 124th Official Poster will be available for purchase at the WBCA Office.
Born and raised in our beloved city of Laredo, Texas Gutierrez truly loves the city and country he grew up in. He is proud to say that he is a product of both Laredo school districts, and now teaches Art to students of United High School where he was once a student himself. Rene is always seeking and drawing inspiration for his art while riding his bicycle throughout Laredo, often touring the downtown area and Rio Grande riverbank trails. He is excited to see the city’s continued change and growth and he hopes to continue to pass on his knowledge, experiences, tremendous love for this city, and support to Laredo’s Art community to future generations.
“The WBCA events have always intrigued me because the city of Laredo comes alive like no other time throughout the year. Families and friends spend precious time together enjoying themselves at events like the carnival, air show, car show, and jalapeño festival to mention a few. With this poster I wanted to capture the frenzied spark that is lit when the WBCA events begin. I also wanted to convey the message that being able to be together takes a united effort. There are many moving parts working in sync to coordinate all the events, and we must lend a helping hand to achieve our goals,” Gutierrez added.
This event is made possible with the support of International Bank of Commerce, Dos Marias Kitchen, Cakes of Glory, Happy Kernels, Abner Miranda Lighting, L&F Distributors and Southern Distributing. Special thanks to BBVA Compass Bank.
The 124th Celebration Commemorative Poster, “To Future Generations,” as well as any other WBCA souvenirs may be purchased at the WBCA office at 1819 E. Hillside Road or online at www.wbcalaredo.org. The commemorative poster will also be used for the cover of the official 2022 WBCA Program Book and invitations.
Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, an air show, a sizzling Jalapeño Festival and much more. Combined, WBCA events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and contribute an estimated $14 million every year to the local economy.
For additional information, click on wbcalaredo.org, e-mail wbca@wbcalaredo.org, contact the WBCA office at (956) 722-0589, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit 1819 E. Hillside Road in Laredo, TX.
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