Press Releases

On Saturday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) held a reception celebrating the 2014 Congressional Art Competition Finalists and announced Dongwei "Shirley" Chen, a senior from Holland Christian High School, as the winner of the competition. Shirley's piece "Shanghai Night" will join winners from across the nation and be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. This year's second and third place entries both come from West Ottawa High School. Phil Flipse took second place for his work entitled "Get Your Head on Straight" and Michael Sandoval took third place with this untitled work of art.

"I want to congratulate Shirley and all of the students who entered this year's Congressional Art Competition. Every year I am amazed to see the creativity and thought put into each work of art," said Huizenga. "This year we had more schools across the Second District participate than ever before.  The arts play an integral part in ensuring children receive a well-rounded education. Thank you to the teachers, instructors, and parents who help students foster their creativity and hone their artistic talents." 

2014 Congressional Art Competition Winner:

 Dongwei "Shirley" Chen - "Shanghai Night"

 2014 Congressional Art Competition Finalists:

 Fremont High School

"Karly Krim - "4 Seasons of Michigan"

 West Ottawa High School

Grace Hough - "Women"

Soy Kim - "Inertia"

Parker Kohl - "Understanding Mr. Mattsson"

Lindsey Lohman - "Indicator Species"

Lily Keene - "Gnarled"

Alex Archer - "Afterlife of the Party"

Phil Flipse - "Get Your Head on Straight" - 2nd Place

Michael Sandoval - untitled - 3rd Place

 Western Michigan Christian High School

Zhenhua Ji - "Jesus and Judas: The Betrayal"

 Holland Christian High School

Lydia Wiersema - "Twelve Mane Views"

 Background:

The winning work of art will join other winners from each Congressional District across the country and be put on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.  The second and third place pieces will be put on display in Congressman Huizenga's Offices in Grand Haven and Grandville.

The Congressional Art Competition started in 1982 as a way to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.  Last year's winners from across Michigan and the nation can be found here.