Buffalo Ledger

Work by Ava Valkwitch Selected by Congressman Higgins to be Highlighted in Nationwide Competition

Kenmore East High School freshman Ava Valkwitch traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to see her artwork hung in the hall to the U.S. Capitol building.  Ava’s piece, titled “Reinstein Woods in Bloom,” was selected as the winning artwork representing Congressman Brian Higgins’ district.

Congressman Higgins said, “It is great to be able to highlight the work of young artists. Millions of people will walk by and see Ava’s artwork which features the beauty of Western New York. We are proud to have the opportunity to put local talent on display.”

Each year the Congressional Art Competition invites high school students from across the country to submit artwork. The winning piece from each participating Congressional district is then hung in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol for an entire year.  The Congressional Institute, which organizes the program, will also feature the work on its website. 

Congressman Higgins organizes a panel of expert judges in the field of art who review student submissions and make recommendations.  The judges noted Ava’s proficiency in shading and color layering adding the “blending and subject materials gives the painting a real-life feel and makes this an exemplary choice for first place in the Congressional high school art competition.”

Ava and other winning artists from around the nation received free tickets from Southwest Airlines and were invited to a ribbon cutting at the Washington, DC exhibit and a winners’ reception in the Capitol Visitor Center on June 20, 2023. 

Original source can be found here.