Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Congressional Art Competition, which began in 1982, serves as an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in congressional districts across the country, and was open to all high school students in the Third District.  From the 78 entries representing ten schools, the top five finalists were selected by a panel judges from the community, including Manuela Well-Off-Man, Curator at Crystal Bridges Museum, and local artists Jane Wier Davidian of Fayetteville and Zeek Taylor of Eureka Springs.  

Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) hosted an awards presentation and finalist unveiling at the Jones Center in Springdale, where he announced that Millie Pianalto of Har-Ber High School won first place for her piece, “Aquaphobia.”  It will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. 

Other finalists included:

• Second place: “Off to Neverland,” by Ana Magallon of Siloam Springs High School
• Third place: “Playtime,” by Karlton Haney of Life Way Christian School
• Fourth place: “The Last Goodbye,” by Emanuel Tarin of Siloam Springs High School
• Fifth place: “Captive Creativity,” by Shania McDonald of Har-Ber High School

In addition to these finalists, Congressman Womack recognized two additional awardees:

• People’s Choice Award: “The Best Hug Ever,” by Betsy Linn of Fayetteville High School 
• Patriot Award: “Down with the Ship,” by Ana Magallon of Siloam Springs High School

“The amazing artistic talent of our Third District students is undeniable, and I am proud to host the Congressional Art Competition and have the opportunity to encourage and showcase their incredibly impressive works.  Thank you to the high schoolers who participated in the 2015 competition, and congratulations to our awardees, especially Millie Pianalto!  I look forward to seeing “Aquaphobia” as I walk to the Capitol every day.”

Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Financial Services and General Government, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget.

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