By Congresswoman Gwen Moore 

 

Each year, I am so proud to host the annual Congressional Art Competition, "An Artistic Discovery," for high school students from the 4th Congressional District. Since 1982, this nationwide visual arts contest has been fostering artistic talent, among our youth, in each participating congressional district. Winners from my district are recognized, both in Wisconsin and at an awards ceremony in our nation’s capital. 

 

Throughout my years as a community leader, I have been an avid supporter of the arts and the vibrancy that they bring to our community and our culture. Student participation in the arts encourages creativity and an exploration of many unique modes of expression. The work presented by this year’s artists beautifully reflected the realities of their lives and the larger world, and I am thankful to all who participated in this year’s competition. 

 

Laura Shires, from Nicolet High School, is the 2014 4th Congressional District competition winner. Her work, entitled "Appearances," will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol for one year. In her own words, her piece “shows how sometimes our initial impression of people can be frightening, even if the person is nothing like that in real life.” I was honored to recognize her talent through this year’s competition and enjoyed meeting with her in Milwaukee and Washington, DC. Our district is home to so many young and talented artists, and her recognition among this year’s entries is truly a commendable achievement! 

 

To view the artwork presented in this year’s Congressional Art Competition, please visit www.facebook.com/GwenSMoore.

 

 

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