Washington- Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) announced the winners of the annual Congressional Art Contest this weekend with a reception at the Lancaster Museum of Art.  Longing for Love by Melissa Blank was announced as the winner.  Landscape by Danielle Noll, Blue Rock by Abigail Henson, and Untitled by Kelsey Shields were included as top pieces and will hang in Congressman Pitts’ office for a year.

Congressman Pitts’ statement follows:

“Congratulations to Danielle Noll, Abigail Henson, and Kelsey Shields, whose artwork was honored as top pieces, and especially Melissa Blank who was our winner this year.  It is a great honor each year to be able to witness the work of the gifted young people in the 16th District.  I look forward to seeing Melissa’s artwork every time I walk over to the Capitol to cast a vote.”

Background

The annual contest picks one piece of art from a high school student in the 16th Congressional District to be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel hallway leading from the House office buildings into the Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Eighteen pieces of art were submitted from students across the district. 

Since many of the 4 million people that visit the Capitol each year pass through the Cannon Tunnel, having artwork displayed there is a very prestigious honor.  In addition, the winner receives a $1,500 per year scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, renewable for four years.

The artwork of the runners up will hang in Congressman Pitts’ office for the coming year.  In addition, the artwork of all other participants will be on display at the Lancaster Museum of Art through May 22.

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