Rep. Mike Thompson Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner

Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that Nick Christen from Woodland High School is the winner of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition. Nick'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. Nick and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C. 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 Rep. Thompson. “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.”

Nick was one of six regional winners chosen by Rep. 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, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nation-wide competition.