Hoyer Honors Congressional Art Competition Participants

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) hosted an event today to honor the Fifth District participants of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The nationwide high school visual art competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage artistic talent in our communities.

"I am thrilled to recognize the talented young people who participated in this year's 34th annual ‘Artistic Discovery' Congressional Art Competition," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "This year we had 32 works of visual art, ranging from photographs to paintings in chalk, watercolors, and acrylics. Not only does this competition allow the students' communities to see and appreciate their talent, but it also provides them with a wonderful experience. I thank the students for dedicating their time to participate, their parents who have supported them throughout the process, and their teachers and school administrators for seeing this competition as a valuable learning opportunity."

Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students nationwide have participated in the program. Local art teachers and professional artists review each submission to select the work they feel best represents the Fifth District. The winning piece from the Fifth District is awarded a spot for one year in the corridor leading from the Cannon House Office Building into the U.S. Capitol.

The 2015 Fifth District winners are as follows:

1st place: Jekko Syquia, Charles County, Oil painting entitled "Reflection of my Dream"

2nd place: Jay Wallen, Prince George's County, Graphite piece entitled "Thinking Ahead"

3rd place: Lillian Bridges, Calvert County, Watercolor and charcoal painting entitled "Independence"

Honorable mention: Anisa McGowan, Prince George's County, Digital piece entitled "El Nopal"