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Clay Presents 2012 Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition Awards

Young Artist’s Creation Will Be Displayed at U.S. Capitol Complex

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri presented Najee Person, of Parkway North High School, with the 2012 First Congressional District Artistic Discovery First Place honors.  The ceremony was held at Portfolio Gallery in historic Grand Center.  Mr. Person’s creation, a remarkable work in ink entitled, “I Am” will be on display at the U.S. Capitol Complex.  He and his parents and will travel to Washington, DC, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to unveil his winning entry.

In his remarks to the overflow crowd of young artists, parents and teachers, Congressman Clay said,“Tonight, we are celebrating our eleventh year of recognizing outstanding young artistic talent.  As you can see from the artwork, the level of talent is truly impressive. Your work is inspiring, and I encourage all of you to continue to develop your creative talents.”

The Artistic Discovery Congressional Competition is in its 27^th year nationally.  This is the eleventh year that Congressman Clay has conducted the competition in Missouri’s First Congressional District. Twenty-nine young artists from area high schools displayed their entries at a special exhibition at Portfolio Gallery in Grand Center. 

Congratulations to all the young artists.  Here are the 2012 results:

1st place - “I Am.”

 (work in ink by Najee Person, Parkway North H.S.)

2^nd place - “All Dogs Go to Heaven”

(Linoleum cut on paper by Elegance Davis, Hazelwood Central H.S.)

3^rd place - “Grafton Riverhouse”

(photograph by Kimunna Dunn, Riverview Gardens H.S.)