Rep. Schiff Announces Winners of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition
Burbank, CA – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) hosted the annual 28th Congressional District Art Competition Forum and Exhibit in Van De Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge last night. During the exhibit, attended by more than 250 students, teachers and parents, Schiff announced that Bryanna Phimphachanh’s pencil and colored pencil artwork “Gen Z” won first place and will be included in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery, in Washington, D.C. Her artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, alongside winners from other Congressional Districts across the nation. Bryanna attends Crescenta Valley High School, lives in La Crescenta and is in the 11th grade.
Additionally, Schiff announced that Sierra Karr’s acrylic painting “Forgotten” and Jay Hee Kim’s charcoal drawing “The EnvironMENt” won second and third place, respectively, and their artwork will be displayed in Congressman Schiff’s Washington, DC Office and his Burbank District Office. Sierra attends The Wizard of Art school, lives in Burbank and is in the 10th grade, and Jay Hee attends Westridge School, lives in La Crescenta and is in the 11th grade. Schiff also awarded the “People’s Choice” award to Melody Seraydarian for her marker on canvas artwork, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Melody attends Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, lives in Tujunga and is in the 10th grade. Melody’s artwork will be displayed in Rep. Schiff’s Hollywood District Office. Over 2,000 constituents voted in the “People’s Choice” online contest this year.
“Each year, it is an honor to see young artists from our community showcase their talent,” said Rep. Schiff. “Every student involved in this competition deserves recognition, and I hope they will continue to enrich our community with their artwork. I want to congratulate this year’s winners, Bryanna, Sierra, Jay Hee, and Melody. I look forward to viewing their art this year in my offices and in the Capitol building!”
This year, the judges serving on the panel to award the different prizes included Kellye Nakahara Wallett, Caroline Lais-Tufenkian and Patricia Peréz. 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.” Caroline Lais-Tufenkian is the owner/director of Tufenkian Fine Arts in Glendale and a well-known curator. Patricia Peréz is a multi-media artist and Board Member of the Elysian Valley Arts Collective.
There were 47 students representing 23 schools in the 28th Congressional District Art Competition this year. 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.
To see a photo of Congressman Schiff with the winners and their artwork, click here.
Left to right: 3rd place winner Jay Hee Kim, People’s Choice winner Melody Seraydarian, Rep. Schiff, 1st place winner Bryanna Phimphachanh, 2nd place winner Sierra Karr.