Victor Hernandez of Weston Ranch High School won the judges’ nod in the art contest sponsored by the Manteca Garden Club. As the winner among 19 entries submitted, he receives $100 cash prize.

The cash award, however, is not the only accolade that the young artist is going to receive. As the prize winner, his black-and-white original pen and ink of a floral and avian motif will be the artistic focal point at the May 9 annual Manteca Garden Tour sponsored by the club.

First of all, Hernandez’s winning art work will be framed and then offered as a special door prize in the drawing conducted at the last home featured in the tour. It also will be featured in all of the garden tour posters, flyers and brochures, as well as on the tickets.

“Victor’s work shows us a unique look into a garden of birds. We know it will be a special door prize for our May 9 garden-tour guests,” commented Garden Club president Paula Elias.

The panel of judges consisted of all the club members who attended the February meeting at the Manteca Public Library. Hernandez’ entry won with 25 percent of the club voting for his entry.

The budding artist is described by his art teacher, Kira Eadington, as “a very good student and a very nice young man,” and that he plans to go to art school after graduating from Weston Ranch.

A collage of all the students’ art works entered in the contest will be framed and displayed as well during the garden tour.