Pete Sessions Congratulates 2015 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX-32) congratulated the winners of the 2015 Congressional High School Art Competition during an awards ceremony at The Art Institute of Dallas on Monday, April 27, 2015.

The Congressional High School Art Competition, known as “An Artistic Discovery” is an annual, nationwide art competition initiated by Members of Congress in their respective districts. The competition for the 32^nd Congressional District of Texas, organized by Congressman Sessions, is open to all high school students in the district. This year the submissions were judged based upon their interpretation of the theme, “America the Beautiful.”  This annual competition provides an opportunity for local students to showcase their individual talents and receive national recognition.

Zoe Castineiras, junior at Parish Episcopal School, was awarded the Grand Prize for her acrylic painting entitled “Desert.” Her artwork will be showcased in the corridor leading to the U.S. Capitol building for the next year. As the Grand Prize recipient, Zoe will travel to Washington, DC for the national Congressional High School Art Competition award ceremony in June.

“I commend Zoe on her artistic accomplishment and look forward to seeing her beautiful work displayed in the corridor to the U.S. Capitol,” said Sessions. “I am delighted that visitors from across the country and other Members of Congress will be able to see firsthand the exceptional talent from the students of the 32^nd Congressional District of Texas.”

This year’s competition included 23 entries from students representing 5 local schools and was once again sponsored by The Art Institute of Dallas.  Prior to the awards ceremony, the Grand Prize winner and Runners Up honors were chosen by art instructors from The Art Institute and local artists based upon their interpretation of this year’s theme, “America the Beautiful.” The People’s Choice Award winner was chosen by Congressman Sessions’ constituents through online voting on his website. 

Runners Up honors were presented to Becky Groves, a senior at JJ Pearce High School, for her oil painting “Something for Everyone” and to Julie Torres, a sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, for her oil pastel painting “A Day Too Long.” The People’s Choice Award was presented to Sarah Kite, a senior at John Paul II High School, for her photograph “Just a Mild Day in Texas.” The two Runners Up and the People’s Choice Award artworks will be displayed in Sessions’ Dallas District Office for the next year.

“The award-winning art produced by Zoe, Becky, Julie, and Sarah showcased their immense talent, and I am very proud of their outstanding work,” said Sessions. “All of the pieces submitted from students in this year’s competition exhibited dedication, creativity and passion. I wish them the very best as they continue their education and further develop their artistic abilities.”