Sebastian Barrenechea, 8, won the beach vacation for his parents and two siblings by drawing art that illustrated what he would do if he saw the resurrected Jesus. (Courtesy Photo)
Hollyanna Andrade, 9, won the beach vacation for artwork illustrating what can be learned from Jesus’ first resurrection appearance to his disciples. (Courtesy Photo)
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
Two Rio Grande Valley children turned their artwork into South Padre Island vacations for their families after being selected as winners of this year’s South Texas Children’s Arts Festival.
Sebastian Barrenechea, 8, and Hollyanna Andrade, 9, each received a family stay at a South Padre Island resort after submitting artwork inspired by biblical themes.
Sebastian’s drawing illustrated what he would do if he saw the resurrected Jesus. His award included a stay for his parents and two siblings at Holiday Inn Beach Resort South Padre Island.
“Our week at Holiday Inn Beach Resort SPI was simply incredible,” his mother, Monica Barrenechea, said.
“We loved resting and connecting as a family, laughing, sharing daily devotionals, watching the sunrise, playing together, and learning to reflect Jesus through our kindness to others, as well as to one another.”
Sebastian said one of his favorite parts of the experience was simply having time with his family.
“I love that I got to spend time with my family, and we got to enjoy the pool and delicious food,” he said. “God blessed us with beautiful weather during our stay.”
Hollyanna earned a family vacation at Isla Grand Beach Resort for artwork illustrating what can be learned from Jesus’ first resurrection appearance to his disciples.
“The vacation at Isla Grand Beach Resort gave our family something we needed most: time together,” her mother, Tanya Andrade, said. “Between the beach, the laughs and the relaxing moments, we made memories we’ll never forget.”
Each winning family also received a $600 dining credit to use during its stay.
Since 2019, 16 Valley children have won South Padre Island vacations for their families through the arts festival. Holiday Inn Beach Resort South Padre Island and Isla Grand Beach Resort have served as host properties for winning families.
The South Texas Children’s Arts Festival is open to children ages 5 through 12 and asks participants to create artwork based on questions related to biblical stories and teachings. Selected artwork may also be considered for publication in Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Color Me Bible Gospel of John.
The festival is supported by several Rio Grande Valley businesses and organizations.
Entries for the next South Texas Children’s Arts Festival are being accepted through Feb. 17, 2027. Festival guidelines and this year’s finalist artwork are available through the Kids Talk About God website.