Rep. Schiff Announces Winners of 2015 Congressional Art Competition
Burbank, CA –This weekend, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) hosted the annual 28th District Congressional Art Competition Forum and Exhibit at Van De Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge. During the exhibit, attended by more than 200 students, teachers and parents, Schiff announced that Lauren Suh’s piece “Gussie” had won first place and will be included in the nationwide Congressional Arts Competition: An Artistic Discovery, in Washington, D.C. Her artwork will hang in the United States Capitol for one year, along with that of other winners from around the nation. Suh attends Immaculate Heart High School.
Additionally, Schiff announced that Christine J. Lee, a student from Clark Magnet High School, and Emily Hogeland, a student from John Burroughs High School, had won second and third place, respectively. Schiff also awarded the “People’s Choice” award to Avenia Ghovandian, a student from Glendale High School. Almost 2,000 constituents voted in the “People’s Choice” online contest this year.
“Each year, I get the opportunity to see some absolutely amazing artwork submitted by high school students from across our district,” said Schiff. “All of the students involved deserve recognition for their hard work and exceptional talent, and I hope that they will all continue to enrich our community with their artwork. I particularly want to congratulate Lauren, Christine, Emily and Avenia on being named the winners, and look forward to enjoying their artwork in the Capitol and my offices throughout the coming year. Great job, everyone!”
Ms. Suh’s artwork was awarded first prize by a panel of local judges for her chalk pastel entitled “Gussie.” She attends Immaculate Heart High School, is in the 12th grade, and is from Hollywood – her artwork will hang in the Capitol for the next year. Second place was awarded to Christine J. Lee, who attends Clark Magnet High School, is in the 12th grade and is from La Cañada Flintridge, for her digital illustration titled “Her Song.” Ms. Lee’s artwork will hang in Congressman Schiff’s Washington, DC office for one year. Third place was awarded to Emily Hogeland, who attends John Burroughs High School, is in the 12th grade and is from Burbank, for her photograph titled “Fish Out of Water.” Her artwork will hang in Schiff’s Burbank District Office for one year.
Schiff also awarded the “People’s Choice” award to Avenia Ghovandian, who attends Glendale High School, is in the 11th grade and is from Glendale, for her acrylic painting titled “Beauty Stone.” The “People’s Choice” winner’s artwork will be displayed in Schiff’s Hollywood District Office.
The judges serving on the panel this year to award the different prizes included Kellye Nakahara Wallett, David Warren, and Janet Workman:
Kellye Nakahara Wallett is a well-known watercolor artist who is also known for her role as “Nurse Kellye” in the television series “M*A*S*H.” David Warren is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hollywood Arts Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes, nurtures and supports the arts of Hollywood. Janet Workman is an artist who works with a variety of mediums, and is an active contributor to the Elysian Valley Arts Collective’s annual Frogtown Artwalk.
This year, there were 64 entries representing 26 high schools in the 28th Congressional District. Each student participant received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Schiff. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.