Reps. Michaud and Pingree Announce Maine Winners of 2009 Congressional Art Contest

Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree announced the winners of the 2009 Congressional Arts Competition for Maine. Michele Jaffarian, a senior at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, was announced as the winner for Maine’s Second Congressional District, and Suki Nesvig of Portland, a senior at Waynflete School, was announced as the First Congressional District’s winner. The winners were chosen by jurors selected by the Maine Arts Commission. The two winners and their families will be flown to Washington, courtesy of complimentary airline tickets provided by sponsors of the competition, to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony that will formally open the show in June.

Each year, thousands of students across the country enter the Congressional High School Art Competition. One winner is chosen from each Congressional District, and their artwork is hung in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol building.

Before Members of Congress get to see the complete art show in Washington, Maine’s arts enthusiasts will get a preview show as the two winning pieces, along with the runners up, will be publicly exhibited in the Governor’s Gallery of Maine’s Capitol from May 4 to May 22. The two winning pieces will then be transported to Washington to be part of the national exhibit.

Furthermore, the Maine winners will be accompanied by runners-up, proud parents, teachers and well wishers as they receive recognition for their fine work at a Blaine House reception attended by both Representitives and the Governor; this reception will be on Saturday, May 16.

The full press release is in the press section of www.MaineArts.com

Images:
Left: Maine’s 1st Congressional District First Place Winner
Suki Nesvig from Waynflete School,Untitled,Woodblock relief with chine colet, 15” x 19”, 2009.

2nd Congressional District First Place Winner
Michele Jaffarian, Rangeley Lakes Regional High School, Bindings,, Colored Pencil, 8.5” x 11”, 2009