Peoria Standard

Peoria, Illinois — Congressman Darin LaHood hosted a reception in Peoria for the annual Congressional Art Competition, revealing the finalists for the 16th Congressional District of Illinois.

"Every year, I am amazed by the dedication and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois’ 16th Congressional District," said Rep. LaHood. "The Congressional Art Competition supports the value of art education and allows students to develop skills important to creative thinking and expression. This competition would not be possible without the teachers who support and encourage our students throughout this process."

Rep. LaHood acknowledged all participants, with special congratulations to Ivye Johnson, the winner. "I thank everyone who participated this year, and I want to congratulate all our finalists, particularly this year’s winner, Ivye Johnson. Ivye attends East Peoria Community High School, and her piece, ‘Ten Candles, Two Wishes, Nine Lives,’ will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in the near future in Washington, D.C.!"

Johnson’s winning artwork, "Ten Candles, Two Wishes, Nine Lives," will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. This year marks LaHood's tenth Congressional Art Competition, with 75 art pieces submitted by students from 13 schools across the district. Judging was done by a volunteer panel through anonymous submissions and cumulative voting. The artworks were showcased throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Denia Rincón from Rochelle Township High School won second place with her artwork "Memory Lane," which will be hung in the D.C. office. Honorable mentions that will be displayed in district offices include "The A Student" by Lizzie Jones from Metamora Township High School, "Sunset Over Tranquil Water" by Amanda Burns from Pekin Community High School, and "Legacy in Flight" by Sydney Carmichael from Rochelle Township High School.