Kuster Announces Winner of Congressional Art Competition

CONCORD, NH - U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, hosted a reception at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art in Concord on May 6, 2016, to announce the winner of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition.

Kuster was proud to announce that Boscawen resident Richard Ward, a student at Merrimack Valley High School, won this year’s contest. His piece, pictured above, is entitled "Inspiring Opportunities."

“I always look forward to the annual Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no exception,” said Kuster, a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus. “Each year, I’m amazed by the artistic and creative talent of students across the Second Congressional District. It is so important that we encourage our students to be creative and to embrace the arts as they grow, and I’m so glad that we can help celebrate their work through this annual competition. I congratulate Richard on winning this year’s contest, and I look forward to seeing his piece on display in the U.S. Capitol in the months ahead!”

Students from across New Hampshire’s Second District participated in this year’s competition by submitting original artwork for evaluation.

This year’s winner, Ward, is a junior at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook. His winning drawing will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, and Richard has been invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. later this month to view the display in person. During the reception, Kuster presented certificates to other Second District students who participated in the competition in recognition of their accomplished submissions. Select students were also presented with additional recognitions by the Kimball Jenkins Art Institute and the New Hampshire Institute of Art.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide Members of Congress with an opportunity to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition. A strong supporter of the arts and arts education programs, Kuster has participated in the Congressional Art Competition annually since taking office in 2013.

Submitted by Rosie Hilmer.