Whitefish Artist Also Recognized

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that Samantha Wulchak, from Helena, has been selected as the grand prize winner of Montana’s Congressional Art Competition for 2011. Rehberg will join Wulchak in a Capitol Hill ceremony where her artwork will be unveiled and displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel along with the artwork of winners from other congressional districts. The Cannon Tunnel is a pedestrian walkway, leading to the United States Capitol building, frequented by Members of Congress, staff, and the general public.

“It’s always a great pleasure to appreciate the talent of some of Montana’s finest young artists who take part in the competition, and I want to congratulate Samantha for her winning entry,” said Rehberg. “I’m very proud of all the students who submitted their artwork. I’d also like to thank all the art teachers who have mentored and encouraged their students. I look forward to seeing Samantha’s picture, and a little slice of Montana, on the walls of the Cannon Tunnel.”

Wulchak is a freshman at Capital High School, in Helena. Her digital photograph is entitled “Reflection,” and captures a scenic mountain lake mirroring the sky above it. Wulchak’s artwork was selected from among the entries submitted from across Montana in the Congressional Art Competition, a U.S. House of Representatives art competition which has been held annually since 1982.

"Reflection" by Grand Prize Winner, Samantha Wulchak

“I entered the competition at the encouragement of my art teacher, Ms. Jaynes, plus, I thought it would be fun,” said Wulchak. “It’s awesome to be named the winner, especially since I just started taking photographs not too long ago. Thanks to my grandfather for letting me use his camera.”

Wulchak’s artwork was also one of the top choices in public voting via the social networking website Facebook. Rehberg posted all entries online for public review and voting to help select the finalists. As the grand prize winner, Wulchak received airfare for her and a guest to attend the artwork’s unveiling ceremony in Washington D.C., on June 22. She’ll also receive a $1,000 art scholarship offer from the University of Montana. Samantha is the daughter of Kirk and Danna Wulchak of Helena. Ingrid Jaynes is Wulchak’s art teacher at Capital High School.

In addition to the grand prize winner, Rehberg also recognized Jessica Vail, a senior from Whitefish High School, for her colored charcoal portrait "Fox." Her artwork will be featured in Rehberg’s Washington D.C. office. Vail’s parents are John and Mary Vail of Whitefish, and her art teacher is Lonnie Collinsworth.

"Fox" by Jessica Vail