(Los Angeles, CA) – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 34th Congressional District Student Art Competition.
 
“This art competition showcases the extraordinary creative talents of the students of the 34th Congressional District,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “I am so proud to represent a district filled with so many artistic students, caring parents, inspirational teachers, and devoted community and business leaders who lend their support each year to make the art competition a success.” 

Each competition entry was judged on four criteria: originality, technical skill, artistic presentation and use of color and contrast.
 
The first place prize went to Alex Hernandez of Downey, a sophomore at Downey High School. His yarn and wax piece titled My Ride, will be exhibited at the U.S. Capitol for one year.  Alex received a four-day trip for two to Washington, D.C. for the June 25th national exhibit opening.  In addition, a copy of his piece was printed on two thousand posters representing the competition.  His teacher, Ms. Darrelle Nikaj, also received a trip to Washington, D.C.
 
Four students also received other awards.  Mayfair High School junior Joanne Lee of Bellflower placed second with her painting titled, Pressure.  Carolina Gomez of Bell, a senior at Bell High School, placed third with her pastel and chalk piece titled, Me, Myself, and I. 

Joelene Gipson of Bellflower, a senior at Bellflower High School won an honorable mention award for her black and white photograph entitled Chicken Feet. Pablo Hernandez of Boyle Heights, a senior at Oscar De La Hoya Animo Charter High School, also received an honorable mention award for his painting titled Sunday on the Beach. All of the finalists’ artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s District Office for one year.

All 160 entries submitted for the 15th Annual Student Art Competition are currently on display at the Pico House Gallery at the historical Olvera Street site until May 31.  El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, also known as Olvera Street, is located near Downtown Los Angeles between Main and Los Angeles streets and the 101 Freeway and Cesar Chavez Avenue.  Entrance is free and open to the public.  Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.