Galveston, TX - Judging for the 2011 Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery took place on Monday, May 2.  High School students from across the 10 counties in the 14^th Congressional District participated in the competition.

The winning piece chosen for this year’s competition was from Christian Diaz, an Angleton High School senior. His art work, appropriately entitled “Grazing,” portrayed a longhorn. He chose colored pencils to create the piece.

This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition.  The winning piece of art work from each congressional district will be displayed in the Capitol Building Tunnel in Washington D.C. for one year. 

Ester Weress, Diaz’s art teacher, was elated to learn the news that one of her students’ art work was chosen to represent the 14^th Congressional District in Washington D.C.

Diaz will receive 2 round trip plane tickets, compliments of Southwest Airlines, to attend the ribbon cutting/opening ceremonies of the art exhibit in Washington D.C., and a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.

The judges for this year’s competition were, Saralene Tapley, an accomplished artist and art instructor at Alvin Community College; Dion McInnis, Vice President for University Advancement at the University of Houston Clear Lake and an accomplished photographer; and Arden Stone, president of S & S Consulting and AKKcessories Etc..

This year was another successful year for the Congressional Art Competition. 

“We have some extremely talented students in our district,” said Congressman Paul. “It was a tough competition this year and I am glad so many local students participated.”

 The congressman and staff wish to thank all students, teachers, judges and other individuals who assisted. The 2012 Art Competition will be held next Spring. For more information, log onto www.house.gov/paul.