About the Competition

SILA – The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles presents our 61st annual Illustration West.

Illustration West is an annual competition and exhibition highlighting the year’s best illustration – both from L.A. and from all around the world. SILA is proud to represent established and emerging artists and demonstrate that this continues to be an exciting era for illustration.

Scroll down to see the judges – and links to their interviews – as well as our Exhibition Sponsor and Awards information

…and watch for the Call for Entries for
Illustration West 62!

Our 61st Year is Chaired by the Whole 2022 Board!

JOE CEPEDA, President, JON MESSER, 2nd VP/Programs & Secretary, SCOTT GANDELL, VP Development,  DONIVAN HOWARD, Treasurer,  AMARPAL KHANNA, Membership Chair, DAVID HABBEN, Web Chair and SANTOSH OOMMEN, Communications and Branding

Judges

Orlando Arocena

Read Orlando’s Interview by Communications and Branding Committee member Chad Ewanic

Thomas Blackshear

Read Thomas’ Interview by SILA Secretary and Program Chair Jon Messer

Karina Granda

Read Karina’s Interview by SILA President Joe Cepeda

Anita Kunz

Read Anita’s Interview by SILA Secretary and Program Chair Jon Messer

Vanessa Lemen

Read Vanessa’s Interview by SILA Secretary and Program Chair Jon Messer

Rick Sealock

Read Rick’s Interview by SILA Secretary and Program Chair Jon Messer

Robert St. Pierre

Read Robert’s Interview by SILA Secretary and Program Chair Jon Messer

Francis Vallejo

Read Francis’ Interview by SILA Web Chair David Habben

Our Exhibition Sponsors

Agency Access

 

 

 

 

 

Found Artists
 

 

 

Awards

  • Joseph Morgan Henninger Award – Best of Show
    This award is presented to the best of all the Gold Award winners and is named for SILA’s first President during our founding year in 1953.
  • Patrick Nagel Award for Excellence
    This award is presented to the second best of all the Gold Award winners and is named to honor a great illustrator, Patrick Nagel.
  • Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are awarded individually for in each category.

Scholarship Awards

  • Scholarships are presented to the Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners from the Student category.
      • Gold – Phillip Hays “I love it. I think it’s terrific.” $1000 Scholarship
      • Silver – Elin Waite & Dick Oden $750 Scholarship
      • Bronze – Bill Tara $500 Scholarship