Torres Announces 2017 Congressional Art Competition Winner
ONTARIO, CA – Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) unveiled the winner of the 35th District's 2016 Congressional Art Competition at an awards ceremony and exhibition yesterday evening at the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona. The winning piece, "A Better Tomorrow" by Pomona resident Evelyn Ruiz, was selected out of 49 pieces submitted from students throughout the 35th District.
"I was once again impressed by the talent of these young students," said Torres. "Whether they become the next Picasso or never pick up a paintbrush again, the arts have helped them expand their creativity and develop skills they can apply to all aspects of their academic and professional lives."
The theme for this year's competition, chosen through a social media competition, was "Lessons from the Past, Hope for the Future." In describing her winning piece, Evelyn, a student at Diamond Ranch High School, said "The image of a young girl blowing bubbles is meant to symbolize a child's creativity and a mindset that brings kindness and less judgement. The world would be a better place if adults were to step back and mirror this child."
Evelyn's piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Complex for one year, and she is invited to a reception in Washington, DC, honoring winners from throughout the United States. She will also receive two roundtrip tickets to DC courtesy of Southwest Airlines and hotel accommodations courtesy of YK America.
"It was inspiring to see the future through the eyes of the young people in our community," continued Torres. "Despite all the fear and divisiveness we constantly hear about, the pieces we saw today showed incredible hope and optimism for what lies ahead. I am so proud of all of the young talent living right here in the 35th District, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Evelyn and the other young artists exhibiting today."
Winners were selected by John L. Machado, Professor of Art History at Chaffey College, and Sunil Thankamushy, Professor of Animation and Game Design at Mount San Antonio Collge. In addition to Ruiz, Natan Vergara from Village Academy High School won 2nd Place for his piece, "Helping Hand for a Better Future," Alexa Beltz from Garey High School won 3rd Place for "Perceiving the Future," and Honorable Mention went to Mya Cardoza from AB Miller High School for "Book in the Day" and Alina Munoz from Garey High School for "Together as One."
Rep. Torres hosts the Congressional Art Competition every spring. Interested students are encouraged to contact Torres's Ontario office at (909) 481-6474 for additional information.
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