Devin Nunes, United States Congressman | 21st District of California

Contact: Andrew House 202-225-2523

Washington, May 15 - Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) announced the winners of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition today.  “An Artistic Discovery,” an annual national art competition, includes the work of one participant from each Congressional District (photographs and program info here).

First Place:  Kolbe Brennan, of Clovis, with an oil painting entitled “Elder.”  Kolbe is a student at Buchanan High School.

First Runner-up:  Maycha Vang, of Fresno, with a color pen and ink piece entitled “Party Poison.” Maycha is a student at Clovis East High School.

Second Runner-up:  Whitney Howe, of Clovis, with a color pen and ink piece entitled “Reflections.”  Whitney is a student at Clovis East High School.

“This competition helps to highlight and encourage the artistic talent of young people in our community.  We have a lot of students competing every year, and it never ceases to impress me how creative and talented these young men and women are.  Kolbe’s artwork faced tough competition but he certainly deserves this honor and I look forward to seeing his work in the Capitol,” said Rep. Devin Nunes.

“All of our program participants, including the artists, their families, teachers and supporters, deserve high praise.  Without proper recognition and your encouragement, I think it is safe to say that these artists would not be where they are today,” said Nunes.

As the first place winner, Kolbe will have his artwork displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.  He will also receive round-trip airfare to Washington, DC courtesy of Southwest Airlines.  Kolbe and his guests will be invited to a national reception honoring artists from around the United States.

First runner-up Maycha Vang’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Nunes’ Washington DC office for one year and Whitney Howe’s artwork will be displayed in Rep. Nunes’ Visalia office.