Long Island, NY - April 30, 2018 - On Friday, April 27, 2018, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) hosted his fourth annual art reception at Artspace in Patchogue, during which he announced Isabella Kosiba of Smithtown Christian School as the 2018 winner of the Congressional Art Competition for the First Congressional District: “The Artistic Discovery Contest”. In attendance at the event were the twelve finalists, their art teachers and families, Artspace curator Tracy Todd Hunter, and local artists who served as judges.
The House of Representatives hosts a nationwide high school art competition every spring to raise awareness of the importance of art programs in our schools, and to recognize and celebrate the creativity and diversity of students. The winner’s artwork is displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.
The third place winner, Sutton Reinboth-Lynch of East Hampton High School, and second place winner, Raphaela Araugo of Eastport South Manor High School, will have their artwork displayed in Congressman Zeldin’s Patchogue office.
The twelve finalists include:
- Haley Akl, Hilltop Homeschool
- Raphaela Araugo, Eastport South Manor High School
- Aiden Carlson, Eastport South Manor High School
- Ryan Carrick, Riverhead High School
- Josuel Jerez Puello, Riverhead High School
- Isabella Kosiba, Smithtown Christian School
- Luciano Pagliarulo, Smithtown Christian School
- Sutton Reinboth-Lynch, East Hampton High School
- Emma Rocchetta, Eastport South Manor High School
- Ninon Savoye, Center Moriches High School
- Viviana Schmitt, Longwood High School
- Isabela Tarbet, East Hampton High School
The winner and a guest will receive a flight to Washington, D.C. to see their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
Congressman Zeldin said, “Congratulations to Isabella Kosiba, the artist of ‘Mirror, Mirror...’ and the first place winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for the First Congressional District. A special thanks and congratulations to all of the high school students who participated in this year’s art competition. Each and every piece submitted was enlightening and inspiring, and there is no shortage of talent, creativity and enthusiasm among this year’s participants. It was an honor to host a reception to recognize these artists, and I look forward to welcoming Isabella and her family to Washington, D.C. to view her artwork in the United States Capitol.”