May 21, 2010

Goonies 25th Anniversary Art Contest Winners Announced

The Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration in Astoria, Oregon this June, 4-7.  Last fall, in preparation for the Celebration, the Chamber invited fans to create art inspired by the film for consideration for use in event promotional materials.

With forty artists from all over the United States, Canada and even a couple submissions from Europe submitting 68 entries into the contest, the organizers were overwhelmed with the range of creativity, art styles and apparent love for the film.  The artists came from a number of backgrounds from middle school students to professional graphic designers to fans that had never drawn anything before.

The volunteer panel of judges had a hard time narrowing down the field of submissions to only three winners.  They, and the Chamber, wish to expressly thank each entrant for their time and creativity lent to the event.  All entries will be on display at The Goon Docks during the 25th anniversary celebration. 

Prizes were awarded to the top three selections – 1st: $500, 2nd: $250, 3rd: $150 and each winner will also receive 2 weekend passes to The Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration.

First Place – Save the Goondocks!
Jesse Horst, of Clarence Center, New York, shared that he has been an artist all of his life and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from The University at Buffalo.  Jesse grew up watching The Goonies and considers himself a Goonie, especially when he and his brother still in their late 20s are dressing up as Sloth and Chunk at every opportunity, with Jesse’s wife joining the fun as Cyndi Lauper from The Goonies R Good Enough video..  Jesse currently focuses his art on illustration and fine art painting, creating custom works of art for various individuals and businesses.

Second Place – Our Memories, Our Adventure, Our Time
Mario Boschmann, of Thornton, Colorado, has discovered an interest in art and anything that allows him to be creative while generating a tangible and unique outcome.  Mario shared that no other film has come along that left such an impression on him as a child and still inspires him today.  He reflects on the summer of 1985, when he and his brothers built their own gate opener inspired by the movie, collected everything Goonies they could get their hand on and saw the film numerous times at their local cinema.  Mario visited Astoria for the first time in 2004, and seeing all of the sites which took him right back to his childhood.

Third Place – Under the Lighthouse Lounge – The Goonies 25th
Sam Bradley, of Toronto, Canada, received The Goonies on VHS as a gift in 1987 and it resonated with him so much that he watched it over and over even to the point where his mom ended up buying him a small TV and VCR for his room so she could have her TV back.  His exposure to The Goonies was pivotal in his decision to work in film.  He went to college for animation and has since graduated and moved on to working on animated television shows.

Press contact:
Regina Willkie, Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce
(503) 325-6311, regina@oldoregon.com