Patchogue, NY - May 1, 2017 - On Friday, April 28, 2017, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) hosted his third annual art reception at Artspace in Patchogue, where he announced Enru Wang, a high school student at Smithtown Christian School, as the 2017 winner of the Congressional Art Competition for the First Congressional District: “The Artistic Discovery Contest.” In attendance at the event were the fifteen 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 our art students. The winning artwork for each congressional district is displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.
The fifteen finalists include: Giulliana Lorenzo, Bellport High School, Lynda Hernandez, East Hampton High School, Kathleen McGovern, East Hampton High School, Jonathan Realmuto, East Hampton High School, Janie Oglesby, Longwood High School, Syriah Scott, Longwood High School, Gabriella Hassildine, Mattituck High School, Lori Alouidor, Smithtown Christian School, Donna Cheridor, Smithtown Christian School, Jenna Ciarfello, Smithtown Christian School, Samantha Cubas, Smithtown Christian School, Nadya DaRocha, Smithtown Christian School, Alexandra Pepper, Smithtown Christian School, Austin Sala, Smithtown Christian School, and Enru Wang, Smithtown Christian School.
The winner and a guest will receive a flight to Washington, DC to see their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol building courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
Congressman Zeldin said, “Congratulations to Enru Wang, the artist of ‘It’s What’s Inside,’ and first place winner of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition for the First Congressional District. I would also like to thank and congratulate all of the high school students in the First Congressional District and around the country who participated in this year’s art competition. The Congressional Art Competition has been hosted by the House of Representatives since 1982, and nearly one million students have participated in it to date. All of the artwork that was submitted to my office this year was creative and inspiring, and there is no shortage of talent, creativity or enthusiasm in our high school artists’ work. All 15 finalists demonstrated incredible talent, which made choosing this year’s winner a difficult decision for our judges. It was an honor to host a reception to recognize these artists, and I look forward to welcoming Enru Wang and her family to Washington, DC to view her artwork in the United States Capitol.”