Schakowsky Announces Local High School Winners of Congressional Art Contest
Illinois' 9th District Winners Hail from High Schools in Norridge, Skokie, Niles, and Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (May 17, 2010) — Today Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) announced the Illinois 9th district's winners of the 2010 "An Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition.... Â This year's competition drew entries from 31 students and 13 area high schools. Â Nationwide, the art competition has had hundreds of thousands of participants since its inception in 1984.
"I am delighted to announce the 2010 winners of An Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition,... Schakowsky said. "This annual event is one of my favorites because it really highlights the awesome potential of our nation's young people. Â Nourishing a creative spirit and encouraging self exploration through the arts is one of the best things we can do to ensure that our young people become inspired, inventive adults and leaders....
Schakowsky viewed this year's entries along with approximately 100 parents, family members, teachers and elected officials on May 10th at the Skokie Public Library. Attendees included Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen; Carolyn Anthony, Director of the Skokie Public Library; Ra Joy, guest of honor and Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Alliance; and special guest Paul Teruel of the Columbia College Center for Community Art Partnerships.
Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges made up of local artists and art advocates. "This year's winners beat out some stiff competition,... Schakowsky added. "The entries showcased an impressive array of the rich creative talent in our district. I am so appreciative of all the students and their teachers who entered artwork; it was clear that each young artist had put their heart and soul into their piece. ... The first place winner, Maria Szosta, will be honored at a ceremony in Washington and have her painting, "Dear Grandma,... hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
1st Place - Maria Szosta: "Dear Grandma...
Ridgewood High School, Norridge
2nd Place - Adriana Pitu: "Mechanical Nectar...
Niles West High School, Skokie
3rd Place - Keunhyuk Choi: "Love of the Game...
Notre Dame High School, Niles
4th Place - Natalie Burke: "Me...
Resurrection High School, Chicago
5th Place - Daniel Taylor: "Comfort...
Notre Dame High School, Niles