Cicilline Announces Winners of 2017 Congressional Art Competition

Liliana Zapata of Smithfield was awarded the first place

PAWTUCKET – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) announced today that Liliana Zapata of Smithfield was awarded the first place prize in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. The annual contest seeks to spotlight local talent and promote arts education, fostering the next generation of Rhode Island artists. Cicilline, who has run the competition each year since coming to Congress, held an award ceremony at his office in Pawtucket to recognize the high school artists who participated.

Second place went to Stephanie Anne Da Cruz of Pawtucket

Liliana’s painting titled «Stuck in Time,» which earned her the first place title, will be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place went to Stephanie Anne Da Cruz of Pawtucket for her piece titled «Sisters,» which will be displayed in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C office. The third place winner, Colby Girard of North Smithfield, received Congressional Recognition and will have his painting «Tree Lady» displayed in the Congressman’s District Office in Pawtucket.

I always look forward to hosting the Congressional Art Competition. Rhode Islanders have long treasured the arts and the humanities, and this competition is a wonderful opportunity to share the artwork of Rhode Island students with the rest of the country,» said Cicilline. «Liliana, Stephanie and Colby are great examples of the kind of talent that this Competition is designed to highlight. I am confident that their artwork will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of the arts to our students and our communities.»

The three awardees were selected by a panel of judges from a group of 23 talented young artists who submitted artwork to be considered for the 2017 Congressional Art Competition.

Sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the art competition provides an opportunity for Members of Congress nationwide to encourage and recognize the talents of their young constituents.

The third place winner, Colby Girard of North Smithfield  «Tree Lady»