Peoria, Illinois – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted a reception for the annual Congressional Art Competition, where he announced this year’s finalists for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District.
“Every year, I am amazed by the dedication and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Congressional Art Competition supports the value of art education and allows students to develop skills important to creative thinking and expression. This competition would not be possible without the teachers who support and encourage our students throughout this process.
“I thank everyone who participated this year, and I want to congratulate all our finalists, particularly this year’s winner, Ivye Johnson. Ivye attends East Peoria Community High School, and her piece, ‘Ten Candles, Two Wishes, Nine Lives,’ will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in the near future in Washington, D.C.!”
This year was Rep. LaHood's tenth Congressional Art Competition. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel, and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 75 pieces of art submitted from 13 schools throughout the 16th District. This year’s pieces were on display throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Second Place Winner will be hung in the D.C. office:
- “Memory Lane” by Denia Rincón, Rochelle Township High School
Honorable Mentions to be hung in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District offices:
- “The A Student” by Lizzie Jones, Metamora Township High School
- “Sunset Over Tranquil Water” by Amanda Burns, Pekin Community High School
- “Legacy in Flight” by Sydney Carmichael, Rochelle Township High School
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