SURPRISE, AZ—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. Lesko met with each of the winners in her Surprise District Office to congratulate them on their achievements. The winners were chosen by members of the local art non-profit What’s Happening Art Movement (WHAM) in Surprise, AZ.

“I am so pleased to recognize these talented young artists in our community,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s Congressional Art Competition winners and thank everyone who participated in the competition. I was very impressed with the incredible artistic talent each person displayed this year.”

“I enjoyed judging the art contest for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko's District,” said Connie Whitlock, Executive Director of WHAM. “The three pieces that were selected were outstanding in their artistic abilities. All three were detailed and showed a mature understanding of their medium and style.”

The first-place winner for the 2021 Congressional Art Competition is Brooke Wells for her graphite piece, “Arizona Reflections.” Brooke is an 11th grade student at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, AZ. Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Second place went to Dang Le, an 11th grade student at Deer Valley High School in Glendale, AZ for his oil painting, “Oversaturated.” His artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Washington, D.C. Office for one year. "Oversaturated" by Dang Le, Second Place Winner

In third place is “Dreamer,” done in Prismacolor Pencil by Eliseo Miguel an 11th grade student at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, AZ. The piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Surprise District Office for one year. “Dreamer” by Eliseo Miguel, Third Place Winner

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students interested in participating in the 2022 competition can contact Lesko’s Surprise District Office at 623-776-7911 for more information.

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