Washington, DC – On Saturday April 21, 2012, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) hosted the annual Congressional Art Competition for the 7th district at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham. The competition was open to all high school students (grades 9-12) in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District and offered the winning participant the opportunity to have their artwork show cased in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC for one year.

The 2012 Congressional Art Competition winner is Jessica Johnson, a senior from Paul Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, AL.

The other students that placed were:

1st Runner Up - Ke’Shuntae Tapping, a sophomore from Minor High School in Birmingham, AL.

2nd Runner Up - Christina Burroughs, a senior from Thomasville High School in Thomasville, AL.

Rep. Sewell offered the following statement: “I was so impressed with artwork that was submitted this year. The 7th Congressional District is full of so many talented and outstanding students who represent the leaders of tomorrow. I believe it is critically important to cultivate the imagination and creativity of our young people through the arts. I am proud to sponsor this competition and I am looking forward to displaying the amazing talent in this district.”

This year’s competition had a total of 23 pieces of art submitted by students from across the 7th Congressional District. The competition was divided into three regions. Region One was comprised of schools in Jefferson County. Region Two consisted of schools from Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Greene, Hale, Perry and Sumter Counties. Region Three was made of schools from Dallas, Wilcox, Clarke, Marengo and Choctaw Counties.

Jessica Johnson, a senior at Paul Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, entitled her winning piece “Time.”

Miss Johnson’s artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol building for one year and she will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, DC to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception on June 20, 2012.

Second place was awarded to Ke’Shuntae Tapping, a sophomore at Minor High School in Birmingham, Alabama for her piece “UnModern Steel.” Third place was awarded to Christina Burroughs, a senior at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Alabama for her piece “The Lively Museum.”

“I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the overall winner and all the regional participants of the competition,” said Rep. Sewell.

In addition to the top three winners, several students received regional awards for their artwork, including:

Cinnamon Callins, George Washington Carver High School, Birmingham, AL
Alexis Breeding, Centerpoint High School, Centerpoint, AL
Vincent Marino, Capitol School, Tuscaloosa, AL
Alyson Smith, Tuscaloosa Christian School, Tuscaloosa, AL
Tangie Powell, Thomasville High School, Thomasville, AL
Dalvin McGraw, Wilcox County High School, Camden, AL

 Each year since 1982, Congressional offices across the Nation have participated in the Congressional Art Competition which is sponsored by the Congressional Institute. The competition provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

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Contact: Rob NeSmith;   rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov;    202.225.2665