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On Saturday May 3rd Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) hosted the 2014 Congressional Art Competition entitled “An Artistic Discovery” in the Richardson Center at the Indian River State College in Vero Beach. Three finalists were chosen out of 70 entries and several were also selected for special recognition. The Indian River Charter School’s choir and orchestra provided musical entertainment.

“I commend all of our young artists who accepted the challenge and entered the competition,” said Congressman Posey. “Creativity is often the key to the next big innovation and we were surrounded by inspiring work this morning.”

“Indian River State College is proud to support this opportunity for young people to express themselves through the arts.” David Sullivan, Provost, IRSC Indian River County.

“There are many strong works of art with excellent thoughts and a wide range of images, ideas, methods and materials,” said Cathy Ferrell, Chair of this year’s jury. “Each artist presents a message of freedom and hope, and we congratulate the artists who entered, and wish them joy and success in their work and endeavors.”

“Congratulations to all the participants of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition. Judging this year’s show was a difficult process; all the entries were thought provoking as well as creative. Salute to all the winners and thanks to all students who submitted works,” said Lisa Mayer, an artist and a judge at this year’s competition.

“This competition is a tremendous opportunity for high school students within Rep. Posey’s district and Brevard Cultural Alliance is honored to assist with the program. We congratulate all of the participating students and wish them great success in their future artistic endeavors,” said Neil Levine, Brevard Cultural Alliance Executive Director.

“It was a pleasure being a part of this exhibit. Admiring all of the young artist's work, I was touched with the creativity and effort that was put forth from each one,” said Phyllis Shipley, an artist and judge. “Art is very subjective and I respect and salute each student who expressed their ideas and entered this exhibit. By entering they are all winners. Clarity of the theme, creativity and originality, emotion, design and value, composition and technique all contributes to a painting. We saw all of this in many of the paintings and all who entered should be very proud of their efforts. Thanks to our Congressman, Bill Posey and the supporters of this venue in upholding the arts. To each artist: keep studying and painting from your heart to fulfill your inner passion of expression.”

This year’s winner will have his or her artwork displayed in the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and artwork by the first and second runners up will be put on display in Rep. Posey’s Washington and Florida offices, respectively.

2014 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION FINALISTS:

3RD PLACE: Anna Kenney, The Eyes of Our Fathers; School: Indian River Charter School;
Teacher: Liming Tang.

2RD PLACE: Zhenju Li, A Boy Playing the National Anthem; School: St. Edward’s School;
Teacher: Lourdes Alvarez-Rogers

1st PLACE: Payton Brosche, Freedom in the Heavens; School Indian River Charter School;
Teacher: Jon Pine

SPECIAL RECOGNITION MERIT AWARD:

Bria Thompson, Embracing Patriotism, School: Oslo Middle School; Teacher: Harvey Kornicks

STUDENT MERIT AWARDS:

Artist: Halle Newport, War and Peace, School: Heritage High School; Teacher: Leslie Raulerson

Artist: Finn Barrett, How It Works, School: Indian River Charter School, Teacher: Tony Kopp

MERIT AWARDS FOR PRATICIPATING SCHOOLS:

BREVARD COUNTY SCHOOLS

School: Bayside High School; Teacher: Cheryl Wiley; Artist: Deanna Hagens, Identities

School: Eau Gallie High School; Teacher: Annamarie Zink; Artist: Taylor Saathoff, Freedom

School: Heritage High School; Teacher: Leslie Raulerson; Artist: Brandon Garcia, Eagle Eyes

School: Melbourne Central Catholic High School; Teacher: Michele Lombard; Artist: Taylor Wood, Illuminating the Beauty of Old Glory: An American Flag at Sunset

School: Palm Bay High; Teacher: Gaye Oliver; Artist: MacKenzie Quickery, Liberty

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SCHOOLS

School: IR Charter High School; Teacher: Jon Pine; Artist: Tasha Lulich, Semper Fidelis – always faithful

School: Master’s Academy; Teacher: Mr. Gerry Geary; Artist: Ava Occialini, Liberty

School: St. Edward’s School; Teacher: Lourdes Alvarez-Rogers; Artist: Isabella Hudson, Through the Eyes of an American