Participants of the Congressional Art Competition will be featured in an exhibit in the Idaho Falls Art Museum (300 S. Capitol Ave.) on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Congressman Mike Simpson invites all to attend the unveiling ceremony that will begin at 5:00 p.m. Many students will be in attendance and this event is open to the media and public.

High School art students around the congressional district had the opportunity to create an artwork to enter in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. The winner will be sent to the Architect of the U.S. Capitol and will be on display at the Capitol for one year. Southwest Airlines will also fly the student and his or her parent to Washington, D.C to attend the National Ceremony in June.

“There were some amazing entries this year that demonstrated a lot of talent,” said Simpson. “I’m always impressed in the abilities of our youth.”

 The jurors focused on originality, technical skill and how well the artist’s work reflected the theme of the show - Colors of Idaho. All entries will be on exhibit from April 28 thru May 7.

Photography
1st place: Matt Armstrong, Timberline High School - “Night in the Desert”
2nd Place: Jessica Rodriguez, Timberline High School - “Blossomed Flower”
3rd Place: Kaitlyn O’Kelly, Timberline High School - “River Rocks”
Honorable Mention 1: Sarah Thomas, Rigby High School - “Nature’s Rainbow”
Honorable Mention 2: Katie Schneider, Hillcrest High School - “Guitar”

Painting, Pastel & Pencil
1st place: Marissa Lords, Bonneville High School - “Wondering”
2nd Place: Taylor Allen, Hillcrest High School - “Watercolor Barns”
3rd Place: Shae Sullivan, Bonneville High School - “The Old Neighbor’s Truck”
Honorable Mention 1: Shalee Haroldson, Bonneville High School - “Glimpse of Wilderness”
Honorable Mention 2: Katie Mathis, Snake River High School - “Mr. Potato Head”

The Grand Prize winner that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol is Marissa Lords from Bonneville High School artwork titled “Wondering” and her art teacher is Dale Mortimer