Barbara Lee Honors High School Artists at Annual Congressional Arts Competition
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2009
Contact
Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) hosted the 29th annual “An Artistic Discovery” reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, May 16 2009 to honor budding high school artists from throughout the Ninth Congressional District of California.
“I consider it a privilege to participate in this important ceremony to highlight the wonderful young talent we have here in my Congressional District,” Congresswoman Lee said. “I extended special congratulations to the winners and commend every student who participated. I was very impressed by their potential, and I know they have made their family, friends and community very proud.”
The first-place winner of “An Artistic Discovery” – a Congressional high school arts competition that recognizes emerging artists throughout the country – was Evan Yee of Piedmont High School. Yee will receive three roundtrip tickets compliments of Southwest Airline to fly to Washington D.C. for a formal reception honoring winners from around the county in June. Yee’s work will also be displayed in the Halls of Congress for one year.
The distinction of second place went to Ben Bloom of Berkeley High School and Humanities Academy. Honorable mention went to Angela Won of Bishop O’Dowd High School and Loren Wong of Skyline High School.
This is the 11th year Congresswoman Lee has hosted this event. The Congresswoman presented each participant with special certificates of recognition during the ceremony. Artists and community leaders served as judges. Some 75 students representing public and private schools from throughout the Ninth Congressional District participated in this year’s competition.
The awards ceremony was held at the Chiodo Art Development Studio owned by renowned artist Mario Chiodo, creator of the “Remember Them Project.” The project depicts 23 humanitarian leaders who made significant contributions toward global peace, freedom and human rights over the past 150 years.
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