East Haven's Michael St. Arnault Is A Congressional Art Exhibit Winner

EAST HAVEN, CT —Michael St. Arnault was creating the piece for an art class project. Unaware of the Congressional Art exhibit sponsored by 3rd District Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, he said his teacher "just chose" his work for the competition.

DeLauro presented him with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his artwork, which won third place in the Congressional Arts Exhibit.

In creating his work, the 14-year-old going on 15, from East Haven, said, "I just wanted to do something I don't usually do" with his art.

"I wanted to convey a message. I wanted people to know that they should protect wolves because they do a lot for the environment," he told Patch.

"Protecting these creatures can be your legacy. Be the protector they need," is the caption Michael wrote on the piece.

A first year student at the Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School in New Haven, St. Arnault his mother Tina St. Arnault, who owns Radiant Skin Care & Energy Healing Studio on Kimberly Avenue, said Michael has always been "creatively gifted."

"As young as kindergarten, he spent time in classes at the Guilford Art Center and summer children's programs at Choate (Rosemary Hall)," she said. "The classes were more to offer tips and tricks of the trade, but Mike's talent has mostly come naturally; he's self-taught."

Tina said his "room is full of sketch books and every black pen or marker possible. He’s often sketching or more recently teaching himself how to play his fender (guitar)," she said.

For Michael, it all comes very natural.

"I just like to draw."

East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora shared a post on Facebook celebrating Michael and his talent.

"I love seeing the youth in our community rise to this kind of achievement and success using a skill they self mastered," Carfora told Patch. "Artwork of this technique takes passion, skill, proficiency, and patience. I’m happy to see Michael smiling in the pictures posted by mom. For sure a proud moment for them."