Fuel the Future Winner Liana Kitchel

In September 2021, Santa Cruz-based sock brand MERGE4 kicked off the Fuel the Future 2021 art contest, inviting high school students across the U.S. to submit original artwork for the chance to have their design featured on a pair of MERGE4 socks. This initiative aimed not only to showcase young talent but also to support the art programs at their respective schools through a royalty contract with the winning artist.

The contest was designed to empower young artists by providing a platform to share their creativity. Participants were encouraged to submit their artwork via Instagram, using the hashtag #fuelthefuture2021 and tagging @merge4socks. All entries were showcased in a public gallery on MERGE4’s website, allowing for community engagement through public voting on the top five designs. Each submission was evaluated on creativity, originality, and execution.

Cole Lemke, MERGE4’s Director of Design and Brand Management, emphasized the significance of such contests: “When I was starting out as an artist, contests were a great starting point... We hope this contest brings motivation, attention, and potential opportunities for young artists.”

After a month of submissions and public voting, Liana Kitchel was announced as the winner on October 20, 2021. Her charming design featuring cats in glasses captivated both the judges and the public, showcasing her unique artistic flair. Not only did Liana gain recognition for her talent, but she also secured a partnership with MERGE4 that would benefit her school’s art program.

Fast forward three years, and we are excited to announce that Liana's socks are finally available for purchase! The adorable design is a celebration of creativity and serves as a reminder of the vital support for art education. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go directly to Mount Madonna School in Watsonville, CA, further amplifying the impact of Liana's achievement.

The Fuel the Future initiative exemplifies MERGE4’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting educational programs. By turning Liana's artwork into a product that resonates with so many, MERGE4 continues to fuel the future of creativity and artistic expression.

The launch of Liana Kitchel's socks marks a significant milestone in MERGE4's journey to empower young artists. As you wear these awesome cat socks, you not only showcase a fun design but also contribute to the ongoing support of art education at Mount Madonna School. Don’t miss your chance to grab a pair and help fuel the future of creativity!

Runner-ups:
@allybrooke_workshop