Washington, D.C., Apr 22, 2008 -

After the judging was complete for the 2008 Congressional Art Contest, “An Artistic Discovery,” Congressman Loebsack announced Elysia Belilove, a freshman from the Maharishi School, as the grand prize winner for her photograph, titled “Foot Soles.”  Wendy Van Winkle of Harmony High School placed second for her use of colored pencil in “Textured Landscape,” and Choey Shreck of Maharishi School placed third for her art work titled “Flower.”  Works by Benji Jones, Hagan Rainbow, Sothea Shreck, and Dodie Paige Thiel, all of the Maharishi School, received honorable mentions in the competition.

“Art education is critical in a student’s development, and I am pleased to see so many wonderful parents, teachers, and schools committed to promoting artistic expression among young people in the Second District,” said Congressman Loebsack.  “The level of talent displayed at this year’s Congressional Art Contest was outstanding.  I want to congratulate and commend each student for sharing their work in this year’s contest.”

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Congressional Arts Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus.  The competition was created in an effort to recognize the creative talents of young Americans.  School children from most of the 435 congressional districts participate in this competition annually.

As the first place winner of the Second District Congressional Art Contest, Belilove will soon have the honor of having her winning photograph hung in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for one year.  The second and third places winners will have their work hung in Congressman Loebsack's Washington D.C. office in the Longworth House Office Building, and all honorable mentions will have their artwork hung in one of the Congressman’s two district offices.

The 146 pieces of artwork from Iowa’s 2^nd district entered in the contest were placed on display at Cornell College and judged by Sue Coleman, a lecturer in art and the gallery coordinator at Cornell College; Hugh Lifson, professor emeritus at Cornell College; and Nina Scott, photographer and proprietor of Nina Scott Productions. 

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