Congressman Mike Castle recognizes Chloe Westman, 2009 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Wilmington  - Congressman Mike Castle visited Padua Academy's Advanced Placement (AP) Art Class to recognize Chloe Westman, this year's Congressional Art Competition Winner for the state of Delaware. Rep. Castle and Ms. Westman were joined by her parents, her art teacher, Mrs. Denise Vitello, and school administrators to unveil the artwork before it is moved to Washington D.C. to be displayed in the Capitol.

At the event, Rep. Mike Castle, who is the Member of Congress organizing and hosting this year's competition, unveiled Ms. Westman's painted silk artwork.  

"While writing, math and science are the key components to education, I believe it is also vitally important that we work to cultivate students' interest in the arts to produce a well-rounded education," said Rep. Castle. "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chloe Westman, a very accomplished and talented young woman, for her outstanding artistic achievement. I look forward to passing her artwork in the hall as I walk to the Capitol for votes each day."

Ms. Westman, a senior at Padua Academy, will attend Temple University in the fall where she plans to study Art Education. Additionally, she was one of two students voted "Most Creative" in Padua's Class of 2009.

Background on Congressional Art Competition

Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide annual event that allows high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to showcase their artistic talent. The winning artwork from each Congressional district is displayed in an eleven month exhibit seen by thousands of tourists as they walk from the Cannon House Office Building into the U.S. Capitol.  

Ms. Westman and the winners from other participating Congressional Districts will be invited to Washington, D.C. on June 24th of this year to view their artwork displayed in the Capitol and attend an educational art workshop and reception held in their honor.