Raleigh, N.C. – U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced the first, second, and third place winners in the annual Congressional Art Competition.

First place winner Isabel Lewis is a Wake County resident and senior at Longleaf School of the Arts. Her mixed-media work entitled “COVID Inside Out” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year, alongside winning pieces from each congressional district in the country. Ross also recognized Green Level High School students Nithya Janapati and Brenne Sun for their excellent work in the top 3. Honorable mentions include Ariane Lemaire (Cardinal Gibbons High School), Marcelo Fernandez (Cardinal Gibbons High School), Jaden White (Longleaf School of the Arts), Shaylin Murray (Garner Magnet High School), and Indiana Edwards (Longleaf School of the Arts).

“Art has a tremendous impact on our ability to connect and relate to others despite our unique backgrounds, qualities, and characteristics. The pieces that were highlighted in our Congressional Art Competition beautifully represent the talent in our district and the issues we are facing as a society,” said Congresswoman Ross. “I look forward to continuing to celebrate and amplify young artists in Wake County. Thank you to everyone who participated in our competition, and a special thanks to our teachers and the community for inspiring creativity in our Second District.”

The 2021 Congressional Art Competition honorees are:

FIRST PLACE – Isabel Lewis, Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, NC

“COVID Inside Out” (mixed media), Teacher: Grace Franklin

SECOND PLACE – Nithya Janapati, Green Level High School, Cary, NC

“Equality” (drawing), Teacher: Slater Mapp

THIRD PLACE – Brenne Sun, Green Level High School, Cary, NC

“The Soft Glance” (photography), Teacher: Slater Mapp

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