A Livingston County student’s artwork garnered second place in this year’s Congressional Art Competition: “Running out of Time,” by Brighton High School student Annika Geyer, will hang in Slotkin’s Washington, D.C., office.
Entries came from 61 students at 18 different high schools across the 8th District. After evaluating the record number of entries, this year’s judges selected “Support,” by Lansing Catholic High School student Ella Farlin as the winning piece. The acrylic and colored pencil work depicts a homeless man sitting on the street with his two dogs, which Farlin said symbolizes how animals will stay by one’s side, regardless of situation or social status. Farlin’s teacher, Ron Krauss, was himself a winner of the Congressional High School Art Competition when he was a student.
Surrounded by the student artists, teachers, judges, and family members, families, friends, and school and community leaders, Rep. Slotkin offered praise for the winning piece and her gratitude for all who entered.
“I am so proud of the depth of talent and range of expression we saw in this year’s competition, where many students tackled challenging social and emotional issues through their artwork,” Slotkin said. “It’s not easy to put a piece of yourself into the world to be judged, and these student artists all displayed tremendous courage.”
In addition to the first- and second-place selections, the judges chose other honorable mention pieces: “Angel del Cielo” by Williamston High School student Claire Daniels, will hang in Slotkin’s Lansing district office; “Unknown Z” by Alberto Naccarato of Lansing Catholic High School, and t“Lassitude” by Abigail Rose Richardson from Williamston High School will hang in the visitor area of Slotkin’s district office.
The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, was initiated by Congress in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young people living in their districts. More than 650,000 students have participated in the competition.
