Edison High School Student wins Fourth District Congressional Art Competition

Edison High School senior Shelby Vartorella of Milan, Ohio won first place in the Fourth District of Ohio's 2015 Congressional Art Competition. Her winning piece, "Mossy Landscape," will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with other winners from around the country.

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) attended a reception last night honoring the winners of the competition.  The reception was held at the Gateway Arts Council in Sidney, Ohio, and hosted by its director, Ellen Keyes. The annual competition allows aspiring artists in high school to compete for the chance to feature a work of art in the U.S. Capitol.

Of the competition Rep. Jordan said:

"I look forward to seeing the talents of our next generation of artists on display each year. This year's competition featured some of the best artwork I've seen, and I'm so proud of Shelby, Sarah, Jamee and Ashton, along with all of the Fourth District students who participated, for their hard work and enthusiasm."

In addition to having her work displayed in the Capitol, Ms. Vartorella will receive two airfare tickets to Washington, D.C. to see her artwork on display. She will also be eligible for a scholarship.

Indiana Lake High School senior Sarah Schlup won second place with her work, "Inside of Room." Shawnee High School junior Jamee Gerderman won third with her work, "Self Portrait." Indian Lake High School senior Ashton Sacks won an honorable mention with her work, "Someone."

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

For more information, visit Jordan.house.gov and click on the 2015 Congressional Art Competition banner.

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