In the News

More than 200 high school students, their parents, and their teachers gathered at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center last week to hear Congressman Connolly and judges from across Virginia’s 11th Congressional District announce the winners of Connolly’s annual Congressional Art Competition.

Olivia Jones, a student at South County High School in Lorton was awarded first place in the competition for her work entitled “Fracture.”  Jones’ work will be hung in the U.S. Capitol this summer along with the works of other first place winners from congressional districts across the country.

The second place winner was Hyung Jun Suh, of Emmanuel Christian School in Manassas for his piece named “Red Chair.” Christopher Aponte of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax took third place for his piece “My Abstract Dreams.”  Fourth place was won by Karla Pacheco of Woodbridge High School for her piece entitled “Little Wonders,” while Jacqueline Yofi Edwards of the New School of Northern Virginia in Fairfax won fifth place for her work named “Control.”

The 144 pieces of art submitted to Congressman Connolly’s annual competition will be on display at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center’s McGuire Woods Gallery, 9601 Ox Road in Lorton through May 26.  The works were submitted by 111 high school students representing 23 different public and private high schools in Fairfax and Prince William.

“I encourage everyone to spend some time at the Workhouse Arts Center to view these works of art and enjoy the creativity of these talented high school students,” Connolly said.  “The record number of entries in this year’s competition reflects the high level of interest in the fine arts among Northern Virginia students and the dedication of our arts teachers and patrons to encouraging artistic skills in our high schools.”

Judging was conducted by Emily Hawes of the Prince William Art Society, Patricia Macintyre of the Council for the Arts of Herndon, Hollis Coons McCullough of the Greater Reston Arts Center, Brett John Johnson of the Workhouse Arts Center, and Rebecca Kamen of the Arts Council of Fairfax County.   

Connolly’s annual Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who reside in Virginia’s 11th CD.  Public, private, and home-schooled students are invited to participate. 

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Winners of Gerry Connolly’s annual Congressional Art Competition

First: Olivia Jones, “Fractured”, South County High School.  

Second: Hyung Jun Suh, “Red Chair”, Emmanuel Christian School 

Third: Christopher Aponte, “My Abstract Dreams”, Robinson Secondary School 

Fourth: Karla Pacheco, “Little Wonders”, Woodbridge High School 

Fifth: Jacqueline Yofi Edwards, “Control”, The New School of Northern Virginia