Artwork at the Capitol in DC

Congressional Art Awards announced

Congressman Michael Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree are delighted to announce the winners of the 2014 Congressional Arts Awards in Maine’s Congressional districts.

Congressman Michaud congratulates Jessica Chen a senior of Bangor High School for her winning artwork, “Floating,” which is a pastel. Congresswoman Pingree then announced that Elena Laustsen, a junior at Oceanside High School East in Rockland, as winner of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s First District with her color pencil drawing, “Salmon.”

“This year we had another impressive batch of submissions from some of Maine’s talented students,” said Michaud. “Congratulations to Jessica and all of the runners-up for their outstanding work. I can’t help but smile with pride every time I walk into the Capitol and pass the artwork on display from our district.”

The runners-up and honorable mentions also all hail from Bangor High. Siblings Abbey and Morgan Kidder received first and second runner-up, respectively; while Nick Fournier and Shirley Yuen received honorable mentions.

“The quality of work that Maine students produce for this competition is always impressive—and this year was no exception. I’m very proud to have Elena’s lovely study of a salmon represent our District at the Capitol. It says a lot about the wildlife and natural places that make our state unique,” said Pingree. “My thanks and congratulations go to all the students who participated this year, the art teachers who’ve fostered their talent, and the Maine Arts Commission for coordinating this fantastic event.”

The judges also recognized the work of four other First District students—1st runner-up Caitlyn Duffy of Gorham, 2nd runner-up Veronica Jones of Readfield, and honorable mentions Elizabeth Brown of Manchester and Theresa Gervais of Chelsea. And from the Second District – 1st runner-up , Abbey Kidder of Bangor 2nd runner-up Morgan Kidder of Bangor, and honorable mentions Shirley Yuen of Bangor and Nick Fournier of Bangor.

The 2014 first place winners, Elena Laustsen and Jessica Chen will be joined by four runners-up from each congressional district when they meet with representatives from the Congressional Offices at a Blaine House reception held in their honor. This event is the culmination of a close partnership between the Maine Arts Commission and Maine’s Congressional offices. Both of Maine’s congressional delegates support this program enthusiastically and have provided their full support throughout the process.

CONGRATULATIONS to proud art teachers Holly Smith, teacher of Elena Laustsen, Sarah Dolley teacher of Caitlyn Duffy, and Linda Phillips, teacher of Veronica Jones and Theresa Gervais, Kal Elmore, teacher of Jessica Chen and Shirley Yuen, and Eric Hutchins, teacher of Morgan and Abbey Kidder and Nick Fournier.