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Rep. Napolitano Honors Local Students in 2016 Congressional Art Contest

May 10, 2016

(San Dimas, CA) On Saturday, May 7, 2016, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) held an awards ceremony honoring the winners and all participants of the 2016 Art Contest, "An Artistic Discovery," for the 32nd Congressional District at the Walker House in San Dimas.

"Our annual art contest never ceases to impress, showcasing some of the incredible talents of our young artists across the San Gabriel Valley," Napolitano said. "This year's contest continued the pattern of diverse entries, many representing issues of local and personal significance to our students. Thank you to the parents, mentors, and teachers for your encouragement, and to our gracious hosts, the City of San Dimas and the Walker House. Congratulations to all for sharing your artistic skills with the community, and we wish you continued success in all your pursuits."

Alejandra Quiroz-Garcia, an 11th grader at El Monte High School, took home first place with her work, "The Ladies."

"I wanted to represent women, especially women of color, because they do not get enough credit for the things they do," said Quiroz-Garcia. "My hardworking mom and other strong women in my family were my inspiration for the piece. I hope people will see there is more to women than for which they are given credit and that they see the beauty in my drawing."

John Kovac, an art instructor at El Monte High School, spoke highly of Quiroz-Garcia's unique ability to put a mood into her art.

"Alejandra is one of the best I've ever worked with in 50 years of teaching art," said Kovac. "She has the ability to put a mood into the artwork, an atmosphere to tell a story. A lot of people can make a nice rendering, but she's able to put a story behind it."

For the next year, Quiroz-Garcia's work will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building alongside other winning works of art from across the country.

Napolitano's office received 187 art pieces from 16 high schools throughout the 32nd Congressional District, including Arroyo High School, Azusa High School, Baldwin Park High School, Bonita High School, Covina High School, Duarte High School, El Monte High School, Gladstone High School, La Puente High School, Los Altos High School, Mountain View High School, Nogales High School, Northview High School, San Dimas High School, Sierra Vista High School, and West Covina High School.

Winners:

First place: Alejandra Quiroz-Garcia, El Monte High School. "The Ladies"

Second place: Vanessa Arias, Gladstone High School. "The Best Way to Quit is to Never Start"

Third place: Emily Farag, San Dimas High School. "Illumination"

Judges' Choice: Millyna Liu, Baldwin Park High School. "Paulina Serrano"

Judges' Choice: Vanessa Blandino, Duarte High School. "Sunset Elephant"

Judges' Choice: Kaylee Nguyen, Sierra Vista High School. "Hamburger"

Honorable Mention: Devanna Cabrera, Arroyo High School. "The Lazy, The Curious & The Strong"

Honorable Mention: Victor E. Soto, Bonita High School. "Cat Got Your Tongue"

Honorable Mention: Alonzo Hernandez, Northview High School. "Pondering Pond"

Honorable Mention: Andra Astorga, Sierra Vista High School. "Cherries"

Honorable Mention: Dania Duran, Sierra Vista High School. "Spirit of Mystery-Boy With Hat"

Honorable Mention: Hannah Huertas, West Covina High School. "Twin Lakes"

The Congressional Art Competition is held every year to give young artists an opportunity to display their talent on a local and potentially national level. First place winners are selected from each of the participating Congressional Districts, and their artwork is put on display for a year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. High school students interested in entering the contest next year should talk to their art teacher.

PHOTOS:

A gallery of images can be found here.

First place:
napolitano.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/napolitano-evo.house.gov/files/images/1stPlace2016.JPG

Second place:
napolitano.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/napolitano-evo.house.gov/files/images/2ndPlace2016.JPG

Third Place:
napolitano.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/napolitano-evo.house.gov/files/images/3rdPlace2016.JPG


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