When I went to Cal Poly in the second half of the 1980s, the Mustang Daily cartoonist was fantastic. A real artist. Obviously going places.

His name is Grant Shaffer and he’s one of those people you don’t forget, partly because he had nice hair and a nice smile and that certain “je ne sais quoi.”

So, I found out the other day that back in those Mustang Daily days he won a contest put on by Cuesta College to design a 25th anniversary poster. “Whatever happened to Grant,” I wondered?

Turns out he’s a successful graphic artist in Manhattan working in illustration, comics, movies and music videos. No big surprise. I was surprised — and starstruck — to find out he is married to Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

Why am I going on and on about this? Because it’s time for Cuesta College’s 50th anniversary art contest.

Here’s the deal. Current Cuesta students and folks enrolled in Cuesta Community Programs are eligible to design a drawing or create a photo commemorating the 50th. That means Grant can’t enter this year.

The work must contain the 50th logo, and there are a few other details that you’ll want to get from Dina Baca-Ebeling at 546-3915 or dina_bacaebeling@cuesta.edu. The prize is $250 and the deadline is March 22.

• • •

I also want to point out deadlines associated with the fifth annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts, set for May 25 in Paso Robles' Downtown City Park. Activities are also planned for May 24 and May 26.

Artist opportunities include a juried fine art show and sale and invitational plein air quick-draw. Applications must be received no later than Friday.

Tickets are already on sale for a premier party, multi-course dinner, awards brunch, and art tour.

Sales topped $84,000 last year and commission proceeds benefited environmental and community arts programming.

Visit www.prcity.com/fota for all of the details. Those 18 and older can also sign up to volunteer via the website.

• • •

The deadline is also approaching for a San Luis Obispo Museum of Art hosted event taking place May 11 in Mission Plaza. The first SLO Mini Maker Faire will celebrate do-it-yourself creativity and tinkering.

They’re looking for makers, performers and presenters. If this sounds like you, head over to http://makerfaireslo.wordpress.com before the March 9 deadline. Otherwise just hold a spot on your calendar for May 11 to “make, create, craft, recycle, build, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology.”

• • •

One last bit of artsy news and a date for your calendar is to announce the artist for the 25th annual Live Oak Music Festival set for June 14-16. The folks at KCBX chose Janet Allenspach of Los Osos, who painted a live oak tree incorporating aboriginal symbolism.

Contact freelance writer Monica Fiscalini at Monica_Jane2000@yahoo.com.