Sugar Loaf, NY – U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) announced that Warwick Valley High School senior Chelsea DeMercado was the 1st Place Winner of the 2008 “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition that Hall sponsored for local high school students. The winners were announced at an Awards Ceremony and Reception with Hall at the Lycian Center for Performing Arts in Sugar Loaf, New York on May 12, 2008.

 

“I’m extremely proud of these young artists,” said Hall. “Their commitment to the arts exemplifies the comprehensive education we expect from our local schools.”

 

DeMercado’s “Electric Tea Party” will be displayed in the United States Capitol alongside winning artwork from Congressional districts across the country. The painting is one of three in a series and depicts a scene of a kettle and mug.

 

DeMercado and one guest were invited to attend the “An Artistic Discovery” opening ceremonies in Washington, DC in June.

 

“Artists learn best by being challenged by an outside force,” said Shari Blauner, DeMercado’s art teacher at Warwick Valley High School.

 

The two runners up were Tuxedo High School junior Leia Jospe of Tuxedo Park and Spackenhill High School sophomore Adam Samson of Poughkeepsie. Samson’s Gly, a self-portrait charcoal drawing, will be displayed in Hall’s office in Carmel and Jospe’s Stelle, a photograph, will be displayed in Hall’s office in Goshen.

 

Congressman Hall sponsored the art competition and exhibition for high school students in New York’s 19th Congressional District. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of community artists from artwork submitted by students from across the district. All submitted artwork will be displayed in an exhibit at the Lycian Center for Performing Arts from May 12th to May 30th. Participants received a certificate from Congressman Hall and entrance into the awards show.

 

Other winners include the following artists and works:

 

Honorable Mention for Painting:   
Gerard Daley of Monroe
Monroe Woodbury High School Junior
Title: “Brass Horn”

 

Honorable Mention for Drawing:   
Rebecca Rosenthal of Katonah
John Jay High School Senior
Untitled

 

Honorable Mention for Mixed Media:  
Carolynn Iskyan of Wilton, CT
The Harvey School Junior
Title: “Open Hands, Open Heart”

 

Honorable Mention for Photography:  
Andrea Boyhan of Monroe
Monroe Woodbury High School Senior
Title: “Androgyny”

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