Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) has announced the winner of the ninth annual 26^th Congressional District art competition, “An Artistic Discovery.”  Diana Rodriguez, a freshman art student of Camille Kerr at Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, won first prize in the 2011 competition with her photograph entitled “Carnival Ride.”  The art competition was open to public, private, and home-schooled high school students residing in or attending schools in the 26^th Congressional District. 

“This contest is designed to highlight the artistic achievements of our local high school students and to share the results of those talents with our area and the rest of the country,” Dr. Burgess said.  “Diana’s work makes the 26^th District proud.  She is a very talented young woman with a tremendous gift.”

Dr. Burgess honored all the participating student artists at a reception recently at the Center for the Visual Arts in Denton hosted by the art competition’s co-sponsor, The Greater Denton Arts Council.  The juried competition was judged by professional artist and instructor Jo Williams. Diana’s work will be displayed in the United States Capitol complex for the coming year.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the national 2011 “An Artistic Discovery” exhibition will take place in Washington, D.C. in June.  The ceremony will honor the winning artists from congressional districts all over the country. 

The second, third and Honorable Mention winners were announced as well:  Tegan Clare, also a freshman at Timber Creek High School and student of Camille Kerr, won second place.  Sarah Barnett, a junior art student of Liz Bonham at Keller High School, placed third.  Both students have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in Dr. Burgess’ district offices for the next year.

In addition, Jessica Gore was awarded the Juror’s Honorable Mention; she is a student of Faith Jessup at Guyer High School in Denton.  Katherine Choi, an art student of Michelle Harper at Flower Mound High School, had her artwork voted the “Texas Choice” Honorable Mention winner by popular vote of the reception attendees.  “Congratulations are in order for Diana, Tegan, Sarah, Jessica and Katherine for their creative achievements,” said Dr. Burgess.

Since the competition was first launched in 1982, nearly 5,000 local contests have been conducted that have involved more than 650,000 high school students. 

NOTE: Photos of the winners are below, click on the student’s name to download.

• Diana Rodriguez, a freshman at Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth and student of Camille Kerr placed first.
•  Tegan Clare, a freshman at Timber Creek High School and student of Camille Kerr, placed second.
• Sarah Barnett, a junior at Keller High School and student of Liz Bonham placed third.
• Jessica Gore, a senior at Guyer High School in Denton and student of Faith Jessup was awarded the Juror’s Honorable Mention.
• Katherine Choi, a sophomore at Flower Mound High School and student of Michelle Harper was voted the “Texas Choice” Honorable Mention.