Shaker High School swept the top two spots in the 20th Congressional District Art Competition! Junior Hans Gupta’s piece, “Crystalline Cobalt” will join other artwork from across the nation on display for one year in a tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol. Runner up, sophomore Kaia Thompson will have her artwork “Frisson,” on display in Congressman Paul Tonko’s District Office.
Both pieces were revealed along with three honorable mentions from other area high schools during Rep. Tonko’s annual art competition reception May 3 at the Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College. They were selected from among the more than 40 pieces submitted from high schools in Rep. Tonko’s congressional district. An artwork by SHS senior Solomiia Valihunda was also selected to be in the competition and was on display at the reception.
As the first-place winner, Hans has been invited to attend a June 27 ceremony in Washington, D.C. when the winning artwork from across the nation is unveiled.
The nationwide high school visual art competition is held annually to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States and in each congressional district. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.