Clay Salutes 2016 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School Senior David Pulphus has won Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay’s 16th Annual Congressional Art Competition.  His visually stunning acrylic painting on canvas entitled, “Untitled #1” will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Complex.  Pulphus will travel to Washington, DC, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to unveil his winning entry.  The painting portrays a colorful landscape of symbolic characters representing social injustice, the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri and the lingering elements of inequality in modern American society.

In his remarks to the overflow crowd of young artists, parents and teachers who gathered at Webster University’s new downtown St. Louis campus in the historic Arcade Building, Congressman Clay said, “Tonight, we are celebrating our sixteenth year of recognizing outstanding young artistic talent.  As you can see from the artwork on display here, the level of talent is truly impressive. Your work is inspiring, and I encourage all of you to continue to develop your creative abilities.”

The Congressional Competition is in its 32nd year nationally.  This is the 16th year that Congressman Clay has conducted the competition in Missouri’s First Congressional District.

Congratulations to all the young artists.  Here are the results:

1st place - “Untitled #1”

 (Acrylic painting by David Pulphus , Cardinal Ritter College Prep)

2nd place - “Orchestra of Color”

(Acrylic painting by Aireia Bullock, Roosevelt H.S)

3rd place - “Pride”

(A work in charcoal by Xiemeng Xie, Lutheran South H.S.)