Rep. Schakowsky Announces Local Winners of "An Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition"
Illinois' 9th District Winners Hail from High Schools in Norridge, Skokie, Niles, and Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (May 13, 2011) — Today Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) announced the Illinois 9th district's winners of the 2011 "An Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition.... Conducted in Congressional districts throughout the country, the competition has had hundreds of thousands of participants since its inception in 1984.
"I am delighted that 45 students from 19 area high schools, including special education schools in our 9th Congressional District family, decided to participate in this year's competition,... Schakowsky said. "I am thrilled that we have a cross section of our community represented in the exhibit, and I thank all the young people for sharing their creativity as they pursue positive forms of self-expression. I consider each of these young artists a winner....
Schakowsky viewed this year's entries along with approximately 100 parents, family members, teachers and elected officials on May 9th at the Skokie Public Library. Attendees included Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen; Ra Joy, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Alliance; Francis Roehm, Skokie Net and Community Liaison Librarian at Skokie Public Library; and special guest Paul Teruel of the Columbia College Center for Community Art Partnerships. All entries will be on display at the Skokie Public Library until May 31st.Â
Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges made up of local artists and art advocates. Prizes included scholarships to take classes at the Evanston Arts Center and Lillstreet Art Center as well as gift certificates to Utrecht Art Supply Store, Genesis Arts Supplies and Blick Art Materials.
"This year, we received more entries than the year before and it was a tough decision to pick a winner,... Schakowsky said. "We have tremendous creative talent in our district. I am proud of the sincere effort each artist put into their piece....
The first place winner, Chong Myung Jeong, will be honored at a ceremony in Washington on June 22. The winning painting, "Longing for Home..., will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
1st Place  Chong Myung Jeong, "Longing for Home...
Notre Dame College Prep, Niles
2nd Place  Anastasiya Kostyshyn, "Blue Dawn...
Ridgewood High School, Norridge
3rd Place  Danielle Klemens, "I AM POWER...
Niles West High School, Skokie
4th Place  Meme Betadam, "Sarah...
Glenbrook South High School, Glenview
 5th Place  Dan French, "Beautiful Routine...
Notre Dame College Prep, Niles
 6th Place  Shay Galassini "American the Beautiful...
Bridge View & Challenger Day School, Niles
-- ### --