HENRICO CITIZEN, CITIZEN STAFF

Hermitage High School student Kayley Thomas won the Seventh Congressional District Art Competition, earning the right to have her winning piece, titled “Sit-In,” displayed in the United States Capitol alongside winners from other districts nationwide for one year.

Thomas and other honorees from the district were honored by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-7th District) during a ceremony May 5 at J.R. Tucker High School.

The second-place winner was Cameron Golden from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, and the third-place winner was Mattie Smith from Clover Hill High School. Tucker student Ronin Bodenheimer earned honorable mention.

“The artistic skill, creativity, and passion for the arts possessed by so many Virginia students is awe-inspiring,” Spanberger said. “Standing in a room, surrounded by original masterpieces by young Seventh District artists, speaking with these students about their works of art, I was blown away. Thank you to all the students who shared their work with us. Art is an essential expression to translate unique cultures, history, and experiences. Each year, I am proud to hold this competition as a way to recognize the next generation of Virginia artists, as well as the diverse talent across our Central Virginia communities and our Commonwealth.

“As I walk to the Capitol for votes, I look forward to seeing Kayley’s painting alongside the work of young artists from across the country.”

All 36 works of art submitted to Spanberger’s office may be viewed on her website.