Bonamici Announces Winner of 2016 Congressional Art Competition

Photography by Lily Emory to be Displayed in US Capitol for One Year

BEAVERTON, OR [04/26/16]–Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that a panel of artists and art educators has selected Lily Emory, a student at Beaverton’s St. Stephens Academy, as the winner of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for Oregon’s First Congressional District. Emory’s photograph ‘Rust Over Water’ will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. You can download a photo of Congresswoman Bonamici with Emory here.

“I thank all of the talented students who entered their work in the Congressional Art Competition this year,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “My office received nearly 50 submissions, all demonstrating creativity and talent. Congratulations to the winner, Lily Emory, for her photograph ‘Rust Over Water.’ I look forward to seeing it in the Capitol.”

Second place was awarded to Ethan Kim from Tigard High School for his drawing ‘Self Portrait.’ Third place was awarded to Emma Rosicky from Beaverton High School for her mixed media piece ‘OR-7.’ Students receiving honorable mentions for their artwork include: Joyce Kim from Westview High School for the drawing ‘Traditional Korean Grilled Fish’ and Iremayowa Olopade from Westview High School for the mixed-media ‘Self Portrait.’

“We need to continue to provide opportunities for students to express creativity and think critically," Bonamici continued. “Arts education is a critical component of well-rounded education, and especially important for developing the talent needed for an innovation economy. I am committed to supporting arts education in our schools to excite, encourage, and advance all students.”

Every year, the Congressional Art Competition is open to all students in grades 9-12 who reside or attend high school in Oregon’s First Congressional District, which includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia Counties as well as part of Multnomah County. A panel of artists and art educators selected the winner and other honorees. This year, the panel included: Natalie Sept, Portland artist; Maya McFaddin, Arts Education Coordinator at the Regional Arts and Culture Council; and Kendra Larson, an art instructor at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Emory’s art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Congressional Institute will fly Emory and one guest to Washington D.C. for an award ceremony in June.