Congressman Tom Emmer, who represents Minnesota’s Sixth District in the House, announced this week the winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students living in his area.
Local students Ally Harris of Elk River and Lisa Kovacs of St. Michael-Albertville high schools were honored with the award, which will include prominent placement of their artwork in a passageway connecting a Congressional office building to the nation’s Capitol building.
“The Mind,” created by Elk River High student Ally Harris.
First place was awarded to Harris, a junior at Elk River High School, for her watercolor/acrylic/mixed media piece, “The Mind,” featuring a colorful profile of a young woman. Ally is the daughter of David and Kristy Harris. Ally’s art teacher at Elk River High School is Rana Nestrud.
Second place was awarded to Claire Miller, a junior at Sartell High School, for her watercolor pastel drawing, “The Calf.” It features a black and white calf resting on a pile of golden hay highlighted with rainbow tints. Claire is the daughter of Debra and Todd Miller. Her art teacher is Debra Rollings.
“Not Your Mascot,” created by STMA artist Lisa Kovacs.
Lisa Kovacs, a senior at Saint Michael-Albertville High School, won third place for her photograph, “Not Your Mascot.” Lisa is the daughter of Jenifer and Chris Kovacs. Her art teacher is Kari Halker.
Click here for larger versions of all three of the winning pieces.
“I am completely blown away by the talent demonstrated by Minnesota’s teenagers,” Emmer said. “I am proud of everyone who submitted artwork. I know it wasn’t easy for our judges to decide, but I look forward to walking past the winning art every day on the way to the Capitol.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition for high school students across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C.
“The Calf,” illustrated by Sartell High junior Claire Miller.