Congressman Yarmuth's 2012 Congressional Art Competition

Mary-Kathryn Smith Wins Congressional Art Competition

At a reception on Wednesday, Mary-Kathryn Smith was announced as the winner of Congressman John Yarmuth’s Sixth Annual Congressional Art Competition. Smith’s oil painting, “Fear At Night,” will be displayed in the Capitol’s “Artistic Discovery” corridor for a year.

“This competition is about cultivating a love of art and encouraging young people to get involved in creative endeavors,” Yarmuth said. “I am proud to take Mary-Kathryn’s painting to Washington, where it will not only represent her accomplishments, but everything young artists in Louisville are capable of and the unique qualities of our city’s arts scene: history, promise, creativity, and engagement.”

During the past five years, Louisville’s young artists have submitted hundreds of pieces for the annual competition, which recognizes and encourages the artistic talents of high-school students across the nation. This year’s competition drew 100 entries from 12 Louisville high schools and more than 1,200 online voters – the highest participation since Yarmuth launched the competition.

Voters online chose the 20 finalists, and judges selected by Yarmuth’s Congressional office chose the winners. Yarmuth announced five other winners at Wednesday’s reception, where he also recognized and thanked every participant. The full list is below. Click on the titles to view the pieces.

First Place

“Fear at Night” by Mary-Kathryn Smith, Assumption High School

Second Place

“Neema” by Micah McClain, DuPont Manual High School

Third Place

“Scissors Chine-Colle” by Amy Hoagland, Male High School

Best Use of Color

“Natural Solitude” by Diana Pickett, Pleasure Ridge Park High School

Best Use of Materials

“Squirrel” by Jordan Underwood, Pleasure Ridge Park High School

Best Use of Narrative

“Self Portrait” by Noah Randolph, Male High School