Bentley Senior Wins Congressional Art Competition

Press release from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier:

July 21, 2020

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced Caroline W. Chen, Bentley Upper School Senior, as the winner of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 11th Congressional District. Her piece “Bringing Light to Dark Times” incorporates mixed media to depict a timely scene of American resilience. Her artwork will be sent to Washington, DC to be displayed in the United States Capitol.

“This year’s participants each submitted art that exhibits great skill and creativity. I am inspired by the originality of so many young artists across our district,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I want to congratulate Caroline for winning this year’s competition and thank all participants for sharing their talent and imagination with our community, especially during the pandemic.”

Las Lomas High School Junior Cassie Halaszynski received runner-up honors for her piece “Mother Nature Aflame” and Carondelet High School Senior Savannah Doran placed third for her piece “Ocean View.” These works will be displayed in Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek and Richmond offices.

A total of 27 works of art were submitted from 9 high schools throughout California’s 11th Congressional District and were judged virtually by the following panel:

• Ken Alexander, Chair of Arts and Humanities, Los Medanos College
• Steven Huss, Public Art Manager, City of Walnut Creek
• Anne Austin-Pinata, Curator at San Pablo Art Gallery
• Ilene Conde, Studio Education Manager at the Richmond Art Center

Since 1982, over 650,000 high school students from across the nation have participated in the Congressional Art Competition, which has allowed young constituents to showcase their artistic talent and be recognized by their Representatives and communities. The winning piece from California’s 11th District, along with those from all 50 states, will be displayed in the United States Capitol Building for the next year.

This press release was produced by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. The views expressed here are the author's own.