May 29, 2019

Rep. Kilmer Recognizes Western Washington Students in Congressional Art Competition, Announces Contest Winner

Tacoma, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced Tacoma School of the Arts student Nicholas Shines as the first-place winner of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s 6th Congressional District.

The annual nationwide art competition allows high school students from across the United States to showcase their artistic ability. Nicholas’ work will now be displayed for eleven months in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., alongside winners from across the country. Nicholas will also be invited on a trip for two to visit Washington and see his piece firsthand.

Genevieve Grace of the Tacoma School of the Arts placed second and Joshua Farrar of Aberdeen High School (J.M. Weatherwax) placed third in the annual competition.

“We truly have incredibly talented young artists across the region,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The Congressional Art Competition provides them with an opportunity to show off their work - and earn a chance to win a trip to our nation's capital. The artwork submitted this year was beyond impressive and I want to thank everyone who participated! Congratulations to Nicholas and I look forward to seeing him in the nation’s capital soon!”

Judges for the event included ArtsWA Project Manager Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Tacoma Arts Commissioner Davis Freeman, and Spaceworks Artscapes Coordinator Gabriel Brown.