Elk Grove HS student artists vie for top shoe design

Elk Grove High School is among 50 schools in the running for $75,000 in a nationwide art contest featuring specially-designed Vans shoes.

Until 7 p.m. May 3, people can cast an online ballot once a day at customculture.vans.com in the 10th annual Vans Custom Culture competition.

The shoe/apparel company picked 50 out of some 500 submissions based on design, craftsmanship and overall execution.

After the public voting, the top five will move on, with the winner getting $75,000 and the four runners-up each getting $10,000 for their school art programs.

Each school designed two pairs of Vans shoes around the themes "Local Flavor" and "Off the Wall." One pair designed by Elk Grove students features local images like the Wrigley Field marquee, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a mini version of the Flamingo outdoor art sculpture in Federal Plaza.

Elk Grove's art department says if they win, they would use the funds to improve facilities, update equipment and purchase supplies, such as new pottery wheels. They also want to create a gallery space within the school and update existing display spaces with new lighting and digital screens.