WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger hosted a reception at Capitol One’s West Creek Commons to recognize the Seventh District winners of the 2019 Congressional Art Contest.

Jordan Miller, a student at Deep Run High School in Henrico County, was awarded First Place for their piece entitled “Reality Check.” The work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside winners from across the country. In total, seven students from Henrico, Chesterfield, and Louisa Counties were recognized for their excellence.

In addition to the winning piece on display in the Capitol, Spanberger gave all the students the option of displaying their work in her Congressional offices for the year. Many works of art will soon be on display in Spanberger’s offices in the district and on Capitol Hill. 

The Congressional Art Contest is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the artistic talent of Central Virginia students. This year, a total of 54 Central Virginia students submitted pieces for consideration.

“All of the artwork submitted by our students was astounding in its technical quality, creativity, and larger message,” said Spanberger. “I am very impressed with the wealth of talent in our Central Virginia students and the dedication of our arts educators, and I am very proud to have our district so well-represented in this year’s Congressional Art Contest. When constituents and guests visit my office in the U.S. House over the coming year, I look forward to showcasing the artwork of our students, including Jordan’s piece which will be displayed alongside the works of talented young people from across our country. The contest speaks to the importance of free expression and arts education for young Americans, and I thank everyone who submitted.”

The full list of honorees is as follows:

First Place
Jordan Miller, “Reality Check”, Deep Run High School, Henrico County

Second Place
Kira Pierce, “Your Breath for Mine”, Clover Hill High School, Chesterfield County

Third Place
Joann Kim, “Jaded”, Deep Run High School, Henrico County

Honorable Mention: Louisa County
Daphnie Sowa, “Wired Blues”, Saint Michael the Archangel High School

Honorable Mention: Chesterfield County
Lavender Sharae Williams, “Dream Big”, Clover Hill High School

Honorable Mention: Henrico County
Lily Burnam, “Beverly Nemesis”, Deep Run High School

Staff Choice Award
Jasmine Mason, “Trapped Behind a Scene”, Henrico High School, Henrico County

To see more of the artwork from Virginia’s Seventh District students, click here to visit the photo gallery.

###