U.S. Representative Congressman Raul Ruiz recently announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. Students from high schools within District 36 competed for a chance to win and have their art work highlighted in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Student artwork was to embody this year’s theme, “Conservation.” A panel of local artists served as judges and selected the winning entries.
The winners were:
- Zubin Carvalho from Western Center Academy
- Geneva Dagnall from Hemet High School
- Mason Landen from Tahquitz High School
- Kelly Tapia from Western Center Academy
- Aiden Wallace from Hemet High School
Highlighted in this article is Mason Landen’s entry, a black and white image of a broken down car from 1933. Mason included the following caption with his entry: “Joshua Tree is a place of wonder, a place with a history. This broken down piece of rust was a car abandoned from the Wall Street Mill, a small iron mine that opened in 1933. The car is now a piece of history and tourist destination for many. I felt the only correct way to capture this history in such a beautiful landscape was in black and white.”
The annual 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 competed in this nationwide event. Students are recognized in their district and in Washington D.C. where their artwork is displayed.
Congratulations to these amazing artists for this well-deserved recognition!