The annual Congressional High School Art Competition brings together the best student artwork from the 32nd Congressional District and across the country. I am proud to support the 32nd Congressional District's participation in the annual Congressional High School Art Competition each year. The contest is open to all high school students, and there is a winner from each Congressional district. When the winning artist is chosen, his or her artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol. In June, Congress will host a reception in Washington for winners from across the country.

I know that students have many opportunities to participate in art contests throughout the year, and I hope that teachers from local high schools and parents will consider encouraging students to participate in this event.

If you have any questions regarding the Congressional Art Contest, please contact Sandy Pappas in Congressman Sessions' Dallas Office at 972.392.0505.

2012 Congressional Art Competition
This year's Congressional Art Competition was a success, and I was once again delighted to see the amazing talent from high school students in the 32nd Congressional District. 

On Monday, April 30th, the winners of the 2012 Congressional High School Art Competition were congratulated on their artistic acheivements at an awards ceremony at The Art Institute of Dallas. This year’s competition included 40 entries from students representing five local schools. Prior to the awards ceremony, the Grand Prize winner and Runners Up honors were chosen by art instructors from The Art Institute and local artists. The People’s Choice Award winner was chosen by my constituents through online voting on my website.

Congressman Pete Sessions and Tommy Newsom, President of the Art Institute of Dallas, with the contest winners from L-R: Fredy Medina, Sophie Anthony, Jenna Caire and Callie Walter.

Sophie Anthony, a freshman at Booker T. Washington High School, was awarded the Grand Prize for her graphite and colored pencil piece entitled "Family.” Her artwork will be showcased in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol building for the next year. As the Grand Prize recipient, Sophie will travel to Washington, DC for the national Congressional High School Art Competition award ceremony in June.

Runners Up honors were presented to Callie Walter, a sophomore at Highland Park High School, for her photo entitled “Angel” and to Fredy Medina, a sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School, for his pen sketch entitled “Medina.” The People’s Choice Award was presented to Jenna Caire, a senior at Richardson High School, for her acrylic piece entitled “Hiding From the Truth.” The two Runners Up and the People’s Choice Award artworks will be displayed in my office for the next year.

2012 Winners

Grand Prize Winner: Sophie Anthony's piece entitled "Family"

Runner Up: Callie Walter's piece entitled "Angel"

Runner Up: Fredy Medina's piece entitled "Medina"

People's Choice: Jenna Caire's piece entitled "Hiding from the Truth"