Patrick Lynch, Monolith
The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition.
Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors a competition for artwork created by high school students from every congressional district in the United States. The program recognizes the importance of student art on a grand scale, as the first place winning entries will be displayed in an exhibition in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year, beginning in June. Winning students will be flown to Washington, D.C., courtesy of competition sponsors, to participate in an opening ceremony.
Marisa Grifasi, Ketchup and Mustard
This year's first place winners are Patrick Lynch of Harpswell, a senior at Mt. Ararat High School, and Marisa Grifasi of Bangor, a senior at Bangor High School. Winners and three runners-up from each congressional district will also have their work displayed in the State Capitol Complex and have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the congressional offices at a Blaine House reception held in their honor. This event is the culmination of a close partnership between the Congressional Offices of Representatives Chellie Pingree and Michael Michaud, and the Maine Arts Commission. Both of Maine's congressional delegates support this program enthusiastically and have provided their full support throughout the process.
Runners-up in the 1st District are Julianna Fischer of Wells, Veronica Jones of Readfield, and Hillia Aho of Waldoboro. Runners-up in the 2nd District are You Rim Choi of Bethel, Dayna DeRaps of St. Albans, and Angel Pacheco of Jackman.
About the 2012 Congressional Art Awards
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 700,000 high school students have competed for the honor of having their work shown in the U.S. Capitol.
For information about any of the Maine Arts Commission’s arts in education funding opportunities or programs, please contact Meagan Mattingly at the Maine Arts Commission, at 207/287-2790, or through e-mail at meagan.mattingly@maine.gov.