Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announced the winner of the 3^rd Congressional District’s Art Competition at a reception held at the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center Monday evening. Kayla Bolster of Rogers High School won the Grand Prize for her piece, In the City. Her artwork will now be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Building for the upcoming year. Bolster and a guest are invited to a Washington, D.C. reception honoring competition winners in June.

“The artwork submitted for this year’s competition exemplifies the best of the talent and creativity that our students possess,” said Paulsen. “I know it was tough for the judges to only pick one piece to be the winner from nearly one hundred entries. In the City will be a welcome addition to the halls of Congress this year, and I congratulate Kayla on taking the top prize.”

The art reception was the last of five events Congressman Paulsen participated in as part of an “Education Day.” Paulsen started the day reading to 1^st graders at Excelsior Elementary and teaching them how Congress works. The event was Paulsen’s 18^th classroom visit of the school year and his 188^th since being elected to Congress. After the tour, the Congressman met with a group of school district superintendents to discuss federal education policy and how his office can be of service to them.

Before concluding with the art competition ceremony, Paulsen also ate lunch with students at Shirley Hills Elementary in Mound and met with the Chanhassen and Chaska High School robotics teams.   

Art Competition Award Winners

Grand Prize: In the City by Kayla Bolster, Rogers High School

1^st Place Award: Sensitive Orchid by Rachel Colestok, Hopkins High School

2^nd Place Award: The Welcome Sign by Mary Walz, Providence Academy High School

3^rd Place Award: Janus by Aimee Heffer Nan, Bloomington Jefferson High School

Honorable Mention: Self-Portrait by Alexis Hansen, Maple Grove High School

Honorable Mention: A Dark Winter Morning by Emma LaLazerne, Mound Westonka High School

Honorable Mention: Trout Spectrum by Kiera Smith, Heritage Christian Academy

Honorable Mention: Dead Chinchilla by Laura Bohorquez, Bloomington Kennedy High School

Honorable Mention: Painted Reflections by Julius Vang, Osseo High School

Honorable Mention: Lemon Dream Cake by Kayla Berg, Rogers High School

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress and to view previous editions of Erik’s Correspondence Corner, visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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