Schakowsky Honors 2016 Artistic Discovery Participants

CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced the top four winners in the Illinois 9th Congressional District 2016 Artistic Discovery competition. Each year, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nation-wide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each Congressional district. Each young artist who submitted his or her work for the competition was honored at a ceremony at the Skokie Library on April 25, attended by families, friends and teachers. All of their art was on display for two weeks at the library. This year, thirty-nine students from fifteen area high schools participated in the 9th District Artistic Discovery competition. The winner, Macklin Kerrigan, will have his artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol and in June will travel to Washington, DC with winners from other Congressional Districts across the country. Representative Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement:

"Every year I look forward to the Artistic Discovery competition and to seeing the amazing array of talent throughout the our Congressional District. Congratulations to all of this year's participants, and to the four winners. They include the following:

First Place: Macklin Kerrigan from Loyola Academy, submitted a piece entitled "Self-Portrait," using graphite and mixed media. He will be attending the Art Institute of Chicago on a Presidential Scholarship next year.

Second Place: Haley Sullivan from Willows Academy entered "Organic Residents, Inorganic Rebirth," using oil paint and print making.

Third Place: Judith Tong from Niles North High School entered "Hungry," which uses watercolor and ink.

Fourth Place: Diana Shlikhtova from Niles North High School submitted "Dignity," artwork utilizing acrylic.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky with Macklin Kerrigan and his painting, "Self Portrait."

Macklin Kerrigan's painting, "Self Portrait."

"Each student is considered a winner. We welcome works of art from every high school in the 9th district, including those from students with special needs. Macklin Kerrigan's piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with the artwork of all the winners from other Congressional districts. All participants in Artistic Discovery show the importance of arts education in school. Their families and schools should be very proud of their accomplishments."

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