Champaign, IL - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson hosted his first annual Congressional Art Competition on May 1st in Urbana and has announced the winning entries from area high school art classes.  First Prize goes to Kaye Lee Patton a senior at Champaign Centennial High School whose work “Untitled” earned a one-year display in the U.S. Capitol building.  Joseph Mandrell a senior at Clinton High School takes second prize with his piece, “Holocaust Memorial.”  A panel of judges from area colleges and universities chose the winners from more than one hundred entries.

“The first annual Congressional Art Competition was certainly a success,” said Rep. Johnson.  “It is exciting for young artists to compete against one another, however it is unfortunate that we can pick only one winner.  There were numerous outstanding entries and I wish the best for all of the students who entered this year’s competition.  We look forward to hosting this event for years to come.”

Kaye Lee Patton’s first prize entry, “Untitled” has earned a one-year placement in a national art display at the U.S. Capitol Complex.  Additionally, she will receive the Artistic Honors Scholarship in the amount $3000 per year to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design.  The colorful oil painting depicts a mother and son wading through a rocky stream.

The second place entry entitled “Holocaust Memorial” by Joseph Mandrell is a multi-media, 3-D display that shows Holocaust victims during the Nazi regime in World War II Germany.  Mr. Mandrell will display his work in Rep. Johnson’s District office for one year.

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