Hinsdale, IL– U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today announced the three area high school students whose artwork was selected as the winning entries in the 2011 “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition.  Biggert made the announcement during an award ceremony that she hosted for this year’s participants, teachers, family members and friends at the Hinsdale Public Library.

           “This year, we received more artwork than ever before, with 52 entries from seven high schools,” said Biggert.  “I have been sponsoring the Congressional Art Competition for twelve years, and each year, I am amazed by the remarkable level of talent and creativity these young students possess.  This award ceremony is the perfect opportunity to show these students that their hard work is valued and recognized.” 

           Biggert’s office brings together a new group of local judges each year to select the winning artwork.  The judges, who are all artists themselves, make their difficult decisions without any knowledge of the students’ names or schools.

          HinsdaleCentral High Schoolstudent Stephanie Lenchard Warren was awarded first place for her piece, “His Veiled Texture.”  Her artwork will be displayed for one year as part of a national exhibit in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol that is dedicated to the talent of today’s youth.  She also was awarded two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a national award ceremony on June 22 with other young artists from across the country.

           “Stephanie’s beautiful acrylic piece of her brother’s portrait perfectly captured the strong and complex anatomy of the human face.  The texture, metal sheen, and striking color highlighted her exceptional talent,” Biggert said.

           Second place was awarded to Rebecca Bootz who attends Plainfield East High School.  Her piece, “Flight” will be showcased this year in Biggert’s Washington, D.C. office.  Third place went to Bridget Long, a student at Downers Grove North High School for her piece entitled, “Tea Time Triptych,” which will be displayed in Biggert’s Willowbrook office. 

           The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide contest that provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to showcase in their respective districts the artistic talents of high school students.  Since it was launched in 1982, more than 650,000 have participated.

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