Art Competition Winner from Cranston East Recognized in DC

Langevin congratulates student whose work now hangs in halls of Congress

Cranston High School East Junior Giulia Davis, winner of the top prize in Rhode Island's Second Congressional District 2012 High School Art Competition, was recognized by Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) in Washington Wednesday when she also took part in a ceremony honoring contest winners from across the country. Davis' artwork, an acrylic painting titled "Series of Self Portraits," is now exhibited in the Cannon tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the US Capitol, and will remain displayed there for one year.

Congressman Langevin is pictured with Giulia Davis, winner of Rhode Island Second Congressional District 2012 High School Art Competition, and Giulia's mother, Joanne Casale (right). The winning artwork, now hanging in the halls of the US Capitol, was titled "Series of Self Portraits."

A panel of professional artists from Providence's New Urban Arts chose her piece out of submissions from across Langevin's district, including from students in Block Island, Coventry, Cranston, North Kingstown, Providence, West Greenwich, West Warwick, Warwick, and Westerly. Langevin has hosted a competition each year since he first took office in 2001, using the opportunity to honor the many talented youth who participate and emphasize the importance of including the arts as part of a well-rounded education.

"This competition has proven to be a wonderful showcase for the tremendous artistic abilities of our students and the value of arts education for harnessing their creativity," said Langevin. "I am proud that Giulia will represent Rhode Island's Second District in the halls of the Congress for the next 12 months."

Davis' work has replaced last year's winning drawing, "Braving the Elements" by Coventry's Michaela Clift.

This year's runners-up were:

2nd Place: Lyza Baum- Senior at Cranston High School East
3rd Place: Shayla Murray- Junior at North Kingstown High School