2009 Congressional Art Contest Winners Announced For
Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District
HONOLULU, HI—Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today announced Kahuku High School senior, Ghialana Borges, is the grand prize winner of the 2009 Congressional Art Contest, “Kaha Ki‘i: An Artistic Discovery.”
Borges will soon have her winning work, titled,”Reflections,” representing Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District displayed in Washington, D.C.
“Ghia’s photographic talent is clear. When I look at her piece, I’m really taken by it. It is complex and well executed,” said Hirono. “It’s difficult to take a picture of a reflection and avoid having the photographer’s shadow get in the way. But, Ghia’s piece does this.”
Hirono also congratulates a pair of Baldwin High School (Maui) students for their 2nd and 3rd place showings. Baldwin High School senior, Tanner Morin, earned 2nd place for her charcoal drawing, "Tiny Inspiration." Baldwin High School sophomore, Lori Nishikawa, place 3rd for her scratchboard artwork titled, “What To Do.”
A total of 148 students from Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, ‘Oahu, and the Big Island entered the prestigious contest.
“The Congressional Art Contest highlights and supports the creativity of our young people. Creativity is particularly important in a changing world because it allows us to see things in a fresh way and to be innovative,” said Hirono.
Starting in June, Borges will have her artwork displayed along a highly visited corridor that leads to the U.S. Capitol Building, side-by-side with winning pieces of art representing all 435 congressional districts. Borges has also earned a round-trip visit to Washington D.C., along with her art teacher, Sherril Balbirona, where they will participate in a dedication ceremony on June 24, 2009.
Morrin, will have her second place piece displayed in Congresswoman Hirono’s Washington office, over the next year. The artwork of third place winner, Nishikawa, will hang in the Congresswoman’s Honolulu office during that same period.
Neida Bangerter, John Davison, Kinohi Gomes, Ditmar Hoerl, Lia Howe, Boots Lupenui, Sheri Majewski, Brian Moto, Deborah Gottheil Nehmad, and Fred VonWiegen served as this year’s judges.
Hilton Hotels is providing hotel accommodations for the winning student and her teacher in Washington, D.C. Other sponsors include, Frito-Lay Hawai‘i, The Gas Company, Honu Group, Jamba Juice, Kapolei Property Development, LLC, and Pueo Group Contracting.
First Place: Ghialana Borges, Kahuku High School, 12th grade
Title: Reflections (Silhouette of children near water)
Medium: Photography
Second Place: Tanner Morrin, H.P. Baldwin High School, 12th grade
Title: Tiny Inspiration (Woman holding Nikon Camera)
Medium: Charcoal
Third Place: Lori Nishikawa,
H.P. Baldwin High School, 10th grade
Title: What To Do (Boy and Dog)
Medium: Scratch Board
UNCOMPRESSED .JPG FILES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
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