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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at the Arts Center of the Capital Region to announce the NY-20 winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.  The winning artwork was chosen from among 24 student submissions representing 9 high schools across New York’s 20^th Congressional District.

“I am always proud to recognize all participants in our Congressional Art Competition, and this year is no exception,” Congressman Tonko said.  “Over the past two years, our Capital Region students have shown extraordinary strength and resilience as they have navigated the difficulties of learning during a pandemic.  On Friday, I was thrilled to be able to join some of these students in person to celebrate their artistic brilliance and impressive dedication.  Creative expression through the arts is a crucial part of the learning process, allowing students to push the boundaries of their imagination and experience and give voice to their powerful individual perspectives.  During these difficult times, this expression is more important than ever.  I am honored to recognize this year’s winners and I am humbled to acknowledge and thank each and every student whose work we reviewed and every person who has helped them along the way.”

• Best in Show – Annabelle Vasquez, Shaker High School, “Scopophobia”
• Runner Up – Chaehyeon “Lucy” Lee, Shaker High School, “A Masked Meal”
• Honorable Mention – Janet Pan, Niskayuna High School, “Underwater Room”
• Honorable Mention – Mehar Singh, Emma Willard School, “Encompassed by Two Countries”

“Congratulations to Annabelle for her exceptional work, and to all of our Capital Region students who participated in this year’s competition,” Tonko continued.  “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the art teachers and parents who supported and facilitated their students’ participation this year.”

This year’s honorees were chosen by a panel of jurors from the Arts Center of the Capital Region.  The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall and have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the following six months.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students.  Since it began in 1982, more than 670,000 high school students have participated.

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