The Latin Recording Academy named Vivian Zapata, sophomore in FAA, the official artist of the sixth annual Latin Grammy Awards. Her winning artwork graced the covers of invitations, show tickets, posters and program books.

In addition to having her artwork exposed at the Latin Grammy Award Show on Thursday, Zapata was awarded a full tuition scholarship for her sophomore year by the Latino Art Beat and the University’s School of Art and Design. Her biggest surprise was getting invited to the Latin Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

“It was a big surprise that I was told that I was invited to the Grammys and that I won a full tuition scholarship since it was not included in the contest information,” Zapata said. “Also, it was historical since never has the Latin Grammys allowed a student to make a poster because they usually hire a professional artist.”

This was the first year that the Latin Grammy Awards partnered with the Latino Art Beat to create a poster art design contest for the Latin Grammys.

The contest was opened to high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores under the age of 21 in Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., according to the Grammy Web site.

Zapata heard the big news from her mother, Guadalupe Zapata, during a phone conversation.

“I was shocked and extremely ecstatic and happy,” Zapata said. “After that burst of happiness, I was like, ‘wait, are you serious, mom. Did you hear the news right?'”

Guadalupe said she was surprised and very happy for her daughter when she first heard the news.

“I was surprised because nobody here expected for her to be the bigger winner,” Guadalupe said.

Adrian Zapata, Vivian’s brother, said it has been a dream having his sister win the Latin Grammys poster art contest.

“I was very overwhelmed and shocked to hear the news that my sister won this grand accomplishment,” Adrian said. “Simply extraordinary, I can’t believe it happened to my sister.”

Zapata said that her design was inspired by her Latin heritage, especially by its music and culture.

“Right before making the poster, I knew that I wanted to reflect a lot of happiness and a lot of energy because that is what is reflected in the music,” Zapata said. “I basically just let the music inspire me, and whatever I was feeling, I just reflected it in my (art).”

Robin Douglas, associate director of the School of Art and Design, said she was aware that Vivian had put her heart into her design.

“I saw all the contestants in Chicago hanging up to be judged,” Douglas said. “It was clear that hers was the most vivacious, fresh and dynamic.”

Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa agreed.

“Her vibrant and energetic work stood out from the many outstanding submissions and captures the spirit of celebration the Latin Grammys represent,” Abaroa said in a news article on the Grammys Web site.

Zapata said it was an honor to be invited to the Latin Grammys because it is automatic international and national recognition. Also, she had the opportunity to meet her one of her favorite artists, Juanes, a Colombian music artist.

“When I was walking down the green carpet, I totally freaked out because I love Juanes, and when I turned around, he was right next to me,” Zapata said. “It was a dream come true. It felt like a dream going into (the Latin Grammys) with everyone holding your artwork.”