10th District's Congressional Art Competition Winners Announced

VERNON HILLS, IL – Congressmen Brad Schneider announced the winners of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition in Illinois’s 10th Congressional District last month at the Vernon Area Public Library.

Created in 1982, the showcase, "An Artistic Discovery", solicits entries from young artists across the country and their work in D.C. and in the offices of their representatives. 435 pieces of art, one for each member of the House, are chosen to hang in an underground tunnel between the Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building.

Taking first prize is Shelby Welte of Lake Forest High School for a photograph titled “George” (Pictured above.) As this year’s winner, Shelby’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol with winning entries from congressional districts around the country for the next year. She will also receive two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines to Washington, DC and have the opportunity to attend the Congressional Art Competition award ceremony.

In second place, Suzanna Creasey of Glenbrook North High School will display her work in black pen titled “Beat Hearts of Hope” in Congressman Schneider’s Lincolnshire office.

Third place winner Amy Tian of Stevenson High School will display her oil pastel artwork titled “Little Trombonist” in Congressman Schneider’s Washington office.

“I was so impressed by the talent and creativity shown by students from across the 10th District,” said Schneider. “All of these submissions were wonderful, so I did not envy the task of our judging panel selecting winners. I offer my sincere congratulations to Shelby, Suzanna, and Amy, and I look forward to proudly showcasing their artwork for constituents visiting in Washington and the 10th District.”

» More: All 10th District Student Entries To Congressional Art Competition

The winners were announced at a public reception at the Vernon Area Public Library on the evening of Monday, April 24. A panel of three expert judges from across the district – Amy Amdur, Miguel de Baca, and Lori Nerheim – selected the first, second, and third place winners.

» via the Office of Rep. Brad Schneider

Top photo | Shelby Welte with Brad Schneider and her first place photograph | Courtesy Office of Rep. Brad Schneider