Winners Announced for My Israel Art Installation Competition to Take Place at Israel's 64th Independence Day Festival in Los Angeles April 29

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Israeli Leadership Council (ILC) announced the four finalists of its inaugural My Israel Art Installation Competition on Friday.  The call for artists requested in January was for art installations of mixed media, 5-feet or higher, with the subjects of either the Star of David or the Menorah. The four finalists who were selected will erect their art installations at the Celebrate Israel Festival (www.celebrateisraelfestival.com), the largest Jewish happening on the west coast celebrating the 64th Independence Day for the State of Israel.

Jacob P. Mastour designed the Reflective Star of David a massive installation that is 52 feet long and 30 feet wide. From far away, only half of the Star (an incomplete image) is visible yet as visitors approach the installation, iconic image of the Star of David is completed through the rendered mirror image produced by the reflective surface. Hence, the notion of hope and unity begins to take center stage.

Rae (Revital) Somekh-Goldreich designed the Chai (18)-Branch Menorah likened to a tree, with its branches, leaves and buds. Like the Tree of Life, the Menorah's Eternal Light symbolizes the life force and energy sustaining everything material in the universe, living and inanimate. The top, a stained-glass lamp represents the universe. It is supported and buoyed by the Tree of Life, with its 18 branches.

Dan Trajman designed "Giving" incorporating the two symbols of the Jewish people – the Menorah and Star of David into a flower.  A flower enriches its surroundings with its beauty and lives to procreate, its seed is passed on, and it works in harmony with nature's other species.

Gilad Ben-Artzi's design a 5-foot tall "Star of David" is made of bronze and has a dark patina finish. The piece is both sculptured and fabricated by the artist.

Celebrate Israel Festival will take place April 29th, at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center located at 2551 Motor Ave. Los Angeles. The Israeli Leadership Council funds the installation costs. This year's festivities will include 5 stages with entertainment throughout the day, Positively Israel Pavilion highlighting Israel's contribution to technology, agriculture, self sustained communities, bio chemistry and advancements to society.  In addition, the festival will include vendors; an amusement park; entertainment for kids; traditional Israeli foods and local eats and an official ceremony with local and state dignitaries. Discount tickets are available online at www.celebrateisraelfestival.com

SOURCE Israeli Leadership Council