Cranston Student is Tops in Senator's Art Contest

A Cranston High School West junior’s detailed illustration will hang in U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s Providence office for the next year after impressing judges in the Senator’s annual high school art contest this year.

Paul ”P.J.” Hazian’s ”Like Clockwork” landed in third place in the contest, which is co-sponsored by the RHode Island Art Education Association and the Warwick Mall.

Judges chose from more than 40 entries from 16 different schools, public and private. The juried panel included Chris Chabot and Dan Mechnig and David DePetrillo of the Providence Art Club.

Ashley Butler, a junior at Cumberland High School, took this year’s top honors. Her illustration in graphite “A Question of Balance,” will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for the next year to help showcase Rhode Island’s young artistic talent to visitors from across the country.

The second place winner is senior Katie Gaboriault of Lincoln High School for her acrylic painting, “Snow Day.”

“I congratulate Ashley, Katie, P.J., and all the students for their creativity and passion,” said Senator Reed. “Rhode Island has produced many great artists over the years and our arts community is vital to our economy. I am pleased to have the opportunity to help showcase the hard work and talent of these aspiring young artists.”

The winning artwork will be framed by Picture This Framing Center in Providence. The winners will also receive $100, $50, and $25 gift certificates courtesy of the Warwick Mall.

Honorable Mention awards were given to five students, including: William De La Roca, a senior at Cumberland High School; Andrew Talowayski, a freshman at La Salle Academy; Kaylee Lloyd, a junior at Narragansett High School; Lena Kerno, a sophomore at Portsmouth Abbey School; and Ruihan Xia a junior at Rocky Hill School, who took second place overall in last year’s competition.

Additionally, Alexandra Ricotilli, a senior at La Salle Academy, was chosen as the “Reed staff pick” for her piece titled “Reflections.”