Berwick student wins Congressional Art Competition

Amanda Morin’s photograph (above) will hang in the halls of Congress
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the artwork of Noble High School student Amanda Morin of Berwick has been chosen, through a process overseen by the Maine Arts Commission, to hang at the U.S. Capitol building. As the local winner of the 2010 Congressional High School Art Competition, Morin’s digital photograph will represent Maine’s 1st District in an exhibition that features artwork from every Congressional District in the country.

“Congratulations to all the students who participated this year—I was really impressed by the caliber of the submissions,” said Pingree. “I’m proud that Amanda’s striking photo will represent our district and show everyone in Washington what strong artistic talent we have in Maine.”

Portland Museum of Art Curator Sage Lewis and Michelle Lewis, Chair of Art Education at Maine College of Art, judged the competition.

“This photograph demonstrates an intimate multi layered look at a sleeping figure,” the two judges said of Morin’s winning piece, an untitled photograph that overlays several components. “The contrast of the hard edge of the architecture with the skin and softness of the fabric is mirrored in the way dark and light, night and day play in the composition. It’s evocative of a dream state and the unique sense of space that is inherent in the processing of multiple thoughts and images.”

Nearly 50 submissions were sent in this year from across the district. Second place was awarded to Madeline Bunker of Wells High School for her pencil drawing Circles (above), and third place to David Brann of Mount Ararat High School for his photograph Watching the World Go By (below). Honorable mentions were given to Emma Cameron of Kents Hill School and Harold Luttrell of Lakes Region High School.Images of the top-five finishing pieces can be seen online.

All five students—along with their families and art teachers—will be honored by Governor Baldacci at a Blaine House reception on Saturday, May 15. Morin will be flown to Washington, D.C., for the exhibit’s opening in June.

Results from the 2nd congressional district will be published shortly.