Congresswoman Laura Richardson announced the winners of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition during an evening reception last week at the Long Beach Museum of Art.
The winning entry was submitted by the Valedictorian of Compton High School, 11th grader Alejandra Chavez. She submitted a painting of Frida Kahlo, the famed Mexican artist perhaps best known for her surreal self-portraits. On June 20, Ms. Chavez will fly to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Congressional Arts reception at the U.S. Capitol where her artwork will be on display from June until May of next year.
“Receiving first place in the Congressional art competition has been the biggest honor in my life,” said Ms. Chavez. “This is the first time that anyone has ever given me recognition for my artwork. In high school no one ever takes my artwork serious. This win proves that my artwork can take me wherever I want to go.”
The second place winner is Christopher Valencia from Watts. He attends Animo Locke Tech High School with the Inner Circle Youth Program. His winning entry was Blue Sky with a Grand Cathedral and Park in View. This picture reflects Mr. Valencia’s view that freedom of religion in America is entangled with the conception that we are “One Nation Under God.” His piece will be on display in Congresswoman Richardson’s Congressional office in D.C.
Joel Luque placed third and also attends Animo Locke Tech with the Inner Circle Youth Program. His artwork will hang in Congresswoman Richardson’s district office in Long Beach. This painting was inspired by Watts Towers and is titled Watts Up. The painting is a depiction of Watts Towers, the well-known sculpture in Watts, and space planets in a day sky. “Watts Towers is a symbol of what America means to me,” said Mr. Luque. “The Towers are majestic — almost like a pyramid made with recycled materials,” said Mr. Luque.
The Congressional Art Competition was created in 1982 as a way to showcase the artistic ability of high school students from all 435 congressional districts across the United States. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.