Daily Democrat - Woodland High School students photo to be displayed in D.C.
Senior Nick Christen's artwork, a photograph titled "Yolo Bypass," will represent California's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be displayed for one year. It is currently displayed at Gallery 625 in the County Administration Building, along with all other Yolo County entries.
Christen and a guest will be flown to Washington to attend an awards ceremony in June.
"I am always impressed with the talent and creativity of the students who participate in this competition," said Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, in a news release. "Nick is an extremely talented artist with a bright future, and I am honored to feature his artwork in the U.S. Capitol. Our entire community should be proud of his achievement."
Dawn Abbott, Woodland High art department chair, has taught Christen over the past four years and also taught him in elementary school.
"We're all thrilled," she said.
Abbott also taught Christen during the past two years in the Advanced Placement Art class.
"He based his Advanced Placement artwork on weather since that's his main area," she said. "So a very interesting portfolio."
Christen has plans to study atmospheric science at San Francisco State in the fall.
He was one of six regional winners chosen by Thompson's district staff. The five other finalists were:
- Mira Weidman from Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy in Arcata
- Katelynn Meade-Malley from Lower Lake High School in Lower Lake
- Joshua Lobue from Fort Bragg High School in Fort Bragg
- Nilla Marie Mercado from American Canyon High School in American Canyon
- Erika Quezada from Cloverdale High School in Cloverdale
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition