Each spring, students across the country submit original works of art to their local congressional representative’s office for a chance to have their work displayed at the U.S. Capitol for a year.
This year, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) hosted a reception Monday for the students of Virginia’s 10th congressional district who submitted entries into the annual Congressional Art Competition. The event was held at the George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus, which has hosted the district’s art competition for the past decade.
Ms. Wexton received approximately 235 pieces of artwork, including paintings, photographs, drawings, mixed media, digital art and print-making.
“I’ve been so incredibly impressed to see all of the beautiful work created by the. . . young artists from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District who participated this year,” Ms. Wexton said.
The Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation.
“This is a time to recognize the importance of the arts and how the Congressional Art Competition has fostered creative expression for 38 years,” Ms. Wexton said.
A panel of judges, including professional local artists, selected Joanna Rivera Tan’s mixed media piece, “Azalea,” as “Best in Show” to be hung in the U.S. Capitol beginning in June.
Additionally, Christian Calma’s photography piece, "Isibonelo," was chosen as an “Honorable Mention” and will hang in Ms. Wexton’s Capitol Hill office.
Samantha Steen, manager of GW’s Corcoran School of Arts and Design’s Community Engagement and Continuing Education program, also offered remarks at the reception.
Take a look at photos from the competition:
