Vintage High Graduate Wins District-Wide Congressional Arts Competition

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) announced today that Lidia Soriano a 2005 graduate of Napa's Vintage High School is the winner of this year's First District Congressional Art Competition. Soriano's painting, entitled “Self Reflection,” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.

Lidia was in Washington today to attend the ribbon cutting for “An Artistic Discovery,” an exhibit that features works of art competition winners from across the country. Lidia's art teacher Christine Golik and Vintage classmate Sarah Douglas accompanied her to today's ribbon cutting and Congressional reception.

“The annual Congressional Arts Competition provides a means for talented young artists in our community to showcase their work,” Thompson said. “Lidia's painting will be seen each day by Members of Congress, staff and the thousands of tourists visiting the Capitol. I congratulate Lidia on her accomplishments and I wish her luck as she continues her education and painting.”

Lidia is the first in her family to graduate from high school and next fall she will be attending Napa Valley Community College. “I have had a great time touring Washington and visiting places like the National Gallery of Art,” Lidia said after today's events. “Today's ribbon cutting was exciting. It was great to meet other artists from around the country and see my painting displayed in the United States Capitol.”

Southwest Airlines donated three roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C. for Lidia and her guests and the Napa County Hispanic Network donated $100.00 to help defray her expenses. While in Washington Lidia and her guests have visited a number of art galleries and monuments in addition to taking a tour of the Capitol.

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