Shimkus Announces Art Competition Winner

("FLAG WITH GRANDPA")

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) announced today that Taylor Roosevelt, a student of Amy Bowser at Edwards County High School, was selected as this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner from the Illinois 15th Congressional District.

“This year’s entries were some of the finest my office has ever received,” said Shimkus. “Among the 45 amazingly talented students who submitted their work, Taylor’s patriotic tribute to her grandfather really stood out to the judges. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her and all the young artists who participated in this annual contest.”

Taylor’s winning pencil sketch, “Flag with Grandpa,” will be displayed for the next year in the pedestrian tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol with the Cannon House Office Building. The exhibit includes the top student artwork from congressional districts across the country and is seen by hundreds of staff and visitors each day.

(Left to Right: Amy Bowser, Edwards County High School Art Teacher; Tom Moore, Taylor’s grandfather from West Salem; Taylor Roosevelt; Deb Detmers, Congressman Shimkus’ District Director)

Four honorable mentions from this year’s competition are posted on Congressman Shimkus’s Facebook Page and will be displayed in his Maryville, Harrisburg, Danville and Effingham District Offices.

This year’s honorable mentions are:

--Sarah Thoele, Teutopolis High School, charcoal, “Farm Life”

--Lacy Doerr, Mt. Carmel High School, colored pencil, “Jeune”

--Julie Wente, Teutopolis High School, acrylic painting, “The Woods”

--Joe Perez, Charleston High School, photography, “Charleston Lake Sunset”

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 nationwide competition.