FLEMINGTON, NJ — U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-7) today announced that Alexandra Kohut of New Providence has won the 2012 Congressional Art Competition for the 7th Congressional District.  Kohut, a senior at New Providence High School, is the daughter of Christine and William Kohut.

Kohut’s winning artwork, which was created in color silkscreen and titled “Gumballs,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the period of one year with other winners from similar congressional art contests held across the country.  Lance noted the annual competition was open to all high school students who reside in New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District.

“I am pleased to announce that Alexandra Kohut of New Providence has won the 2012 Congressional Art Contest,” said Lance.   “Alexandra is a very artistically talented young person and I am confident visitors to our United States Capitol Building will enjoy viewing her artwork.   I am also proud of all of the Seventh District High School students who participated in this year’s contest.”

Forty six high school students participated and joined Lance at a special ceremony this past Saturday in Summit.  In addition to Miss Kohut, five students received additional awards for their participation.  They include:

• Catherine Zheng of Montgomery High School, who won the Judges Choice Award;
• Shelby Kuhns of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, who won the Merck Employees’ Choice Award. 

Honorable Mention Awards went to Rachel Li of John P. Stevens High School, Hu Xin of John F. Kennedy High School and DeAnna Nicholson of Watchung Hills Regional High School.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the Nation, as well as in each congressional district.

While the art contest was free and open to all high school students who reside in the Seventh Congressional District of New Jersey, all artwork was required to be original in concept, design and execution.

[PHOTO CAPTION:  Congressman Leonard Lance congratulates Alexandra Kohut, a senior at New Providence High School, for winning his 2012 Congressional Art Competition.   Kohut’s winning artwork titled “Gumballs” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with other winning artwork from similar congressional art contests held across the country.]

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