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The Osceola Center for the Arts hosted Congressman Bill Posey’s second Congressional Art Competition, titled ‘An Artistic Discovery,’ for high school students on Saturday, April 30th. The competition drew approximately 40 entries from students across the 15th Congressional District which encompasses Osceola, Brevard, Indian River and Polk Counties.

“I was very impressed by the students’ interpretations of ‘patriotism’ for the theme of this contest,” said competition Judge Pablo Remonsellez of Brevard Cultural Alliance.

“We are honored to host this event for Congressman Posey’s district and appreciate all of the hard work that is involved from District 15 administration staff, art teachers, parents and especially all of the talented students’ who participated!” said competition Judge Jules Davidson of the Osceola Center for the Arts.

“I want to thank everyone who helped coordinate and sponsor the competition: Brevard Cultural Alliance, Bright House Networks, Orlando Museum, Brevard Museum, Art Expressions, Southwest Airlines and Savannah College of Art and Design. I also want to thank all of our teachers, event judges and of course the staff of the Osceola Center for the Arts for volunteering their time to inspire a new generation of young artists,” added Posey.

The 1st place winning artist will have the distinguished honor of having their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. with a parent or guardian, as well as a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design. The two 2nd place winners will have their art displayed in Congressman Posey’s Washington D.C. and Florida offices respectively. All students who entered the competition received free admission passes to the Brevard Art Museum and the top winners were provided two complimentary admissions to the Orlando Museum of Art.

Winner’s List:
• 1st Place Eduardo Correa, ‘Americana’ (painting), Osceola County School for the Arts, Teacher: Patricia Calderon
• 2nd Place Tyeisha McLendon, – ‘President Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address’ (charcoal), St. Edward’s School, Teacher: Anne Whitney
• 2nd Place Carl Max-Morival, – ‘Home of the Brave’ (etching), Osceola High School, Teacher: Sally Alexandres

Honorable Mention:
• Christina Lynne Bantz, ‘A Navy Hero’, Master’s Academy (Indian River County), Teacher: Gerry Geary
• Lizzy Hutchins, ‘Lonely Home’, Rockledge High School (Brevard County), Teacher: Marlyn Foell
• Jesse Woodall, ‘Liberation’, Osceola County School for the Arts (Osceola County) Teacher: Patricia Calderon

A special mention goes to the creative students of Cypress Elementary School, Amaya Collado and Amberliz Fermin, for their “Living Statues” display, and Osceola County students Jasmin Calderon and Musa Jundi for their wonderful musical performance.

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. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nation-wide competition. Over 50 parents, students and staff were in attendance for the awards ceremony following the event.