Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the winners of the annual Congressional art competition, “An Artistic Discovery.” One piece from each Congressional district is chosen to be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the Capitol Building.
“The arts play an important role in education,” said Congressman Higgins. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the work of talented Western New York students both locally and in our nation’s Capitol.”
All artwork submitted to Congressman Higgins’ office was displayed for the public in first floor lobby at the Larkin at Exchange Building. In addition, each piece was posted in a virtual gallery on Congressman Higgins’ website and the public was invited to choose which one they liked best. Over 350 votes were tallied in the online contest.
On May 6th Congressman Higgins hosted a ceremony for teachers, students and their families where the top winners were announced. Nearly 24 students from 10 different high schools in Erie and Chautauqua Counties entered artwork. Serving as judges were Caroline Barry, a local artist and freelance writer; Jen Swan, Communication & Administration Coordinator for Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, Inc. and Leslie Zemsky, a local artist and President of the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
Below is a list of this year’s winners:
Grand Prize – To Be Displayed in Washington, DC
Malinda Rosenswie from Springville High School for her work entitled “Above it All” (Acrylic)
In describing her artwork, Malinda Rosenswie said, “I used collage methods in this piece to show the life of adolescents everywhere who have struggled to overcome any aspects of bullying. The girl in this painting represents the many ways we are working to rise above the negativity and be people who can soar over the issues of bullying instead of allowing them to define us.”
Best of Western New York :
James Scamacca from Iroquois High School for his work entitled “Buffalo City Hall” (Watercolor)
Online Gallery Winner – Voted on by the Public
Malinda Rosenswie from Springville High School for her work entitled “Above it All” (Acrylic)
Second Place:
Victoria Yargau from Lake Shore High School for her work entitled “Buffalo Rider” (Mixed Medium)
Third Place:
Lauren Jenny from Iroquois High School for her work entitled “Pucker Up” (Pencil)
All artwork can still be seen on Congressman Higgins’ Flickr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repbrianhiggins/.
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